Computer Controlled Fertigation System And Method

ABSTRACT

A system and a method of computer controlled irrigation and fertigation composed of one or more sensors positioned in order to quantify the amount of water and/or nutrients that a plant is consuming. By controlling the fertigation, the plant or a part thereof, has improved yield and quality.

CROSS-REFERENCE

The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/735,126, filed on Apr. 13, 2007; which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/017,452, filed on Dec. 20, 2004, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/016,796, filed on Dec. 20, 2004; which are herein each incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method of computer controlled irrigation and fertigation based on one or more sensors which measure the total water and/or nutrient consumption by a plant. All publications cited in this application are herein incorporated by reference.

The commercial production of plants and plant material for consumption is plagued with many difficulties associated with natural botanical characteristics and the environment in which the plants are grown. Proper horticultural practices to minimize these difficulties and maximize plant growth and production are necessary to ensure commercially viable production.

Commercial farms have evolved to grow plants in organized rows. The rows help facilitate the planting, feeding, trimming, watering, maintenance and harvesting of the plants or food products grown by the plants. Conventional growing practices often utilize sprinkler and flood-type irrigation techniques and mass spraying of chemicals used to fumigate and fertilize.

Sprinkler and flood irrigation along with mass spraying, besides being wasteful of water and chemical resources, often damage surface soils and both ground water and surface water sources. Irrigating floodwater applied to fields promotes erosion and promotes run-off of fertilizers and pesticides into water sources. In arid environments flood irrigation often leads to soil mineralization associated with the build-up of surface salts. Flood irrigation also creates large swings over time in the amount of moisture in the soil, which stresses the plants.

Agricultural fields, especially those in continuous use, year after year, are usually infested with harmful nematodes that attack the roots of plants. The development of nematode resistant plant varieties and crop rotation has lessened the problem of nematode infestation but only to a limited extent. Prior to planting, a field is typically fumigated with a substance such as methyl bromide in an effort to kill the nematodes, but this also has achieved limited success since the harmful nematodes reside approximately 12 inches below the surface of the soil. The use of methyl bromide is also being severely restricted or banned completely in some regions due to adverse environmental affects associated with its use. Methyl bromide and other fumigants also kill many of the organisms in the soil that are beneficial to plants.

Furthermore, in traditional flood irrigation a significant percentage of water applied to a field is lost either through evaporation to the air or downward migration below the effective root zone of the plants. The downward migration of water also has the negative consequence of carrying fertilizers, pesticides and insecticides into the groundwater. This technique wastes water resources, as does more advanced sprinkler techniques, although to a lesser extent.

Thus traditional irrigation methods are very wasteful of resources that are not focused on plant production and have a harsh impact on the environment.

The foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related therewith are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope. In various embodiments, one or more of the above-described problems have been reduced or eliminated, while other embodiments are directed to other improvements.

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a method of fertigation where a plant is grown in a container and at least one sensor is used to measure the total water consumption by the plant in the plant container. A central processing unit analyzes the data from at least one sensor in order to determine the amount of water and nutrients to be delivered to the plant. Water and nutrients are then delivered to the plant by an irrigation device at a predetermined rate.

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a method of fertigation where the plant container is separated from the soil.

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a method of fertigation where the plant container is separated from the underlying soil by elevating the plant container.

It is an aspect of the present invention to provide a method of fertigation where at least one sensor is used for measuring the total nutrient consumption by a plant in a container.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide at least one sensor to be used for measuring the total water delivered to the plant.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide at least one sensor for measuring the amount of excess water from the container.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide at least one sensor for measuring the chemical content of the excess water from the container.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide at least one sensor to measure the total amount of water that is continuously available to the plant.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide at least one sensor to measure the total amount of water delivered to the plant, wherein the sensor is a liquid volume gauge.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide at least one sensor under the plant container to measure the total volume of excess water from the container, wherein the sensor is a liquid volume gauge.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a sensor under the plant container to measure the total amount of water available to the plant, wherein the sensor is a scale.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a collection container under the plant container to measure the chemical content of the excess water from the plant container.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide at least one sensor for measuring the chemical content of the excess water from the plant container.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a sensor to measure the total amount of water delivered to the plant, a sensor to measure excess water, a sensor to measure the total amount of water available to the plant and at least one sensor for the measurement of chemical concentrations.

It is still another aspect of the present invention that the data from the various sensors is analyzed by a computer fertigation controller.

It is still another aspect of the present invention that the analysis from the computer fertigation controller is used to determine the timing of irrigation events.

It is still another aspect of the present invention that the analysis from the computer fertigation controller determines the amount of water to be applied during an irrigation event.

It is still another aspect of the present invention that the analysis from the computer fertigation controller determines the concentration of nutritional components added to the irrigation water.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide an irrigation conduit along with a liquid drip emitter and a means of providing water and/or nutrients through the conduit at a predetermined schedule.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a liquid drip emitter that is on an irrigation line.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a plant or a part thereof that has an average increased nutrient value of greater than 5%.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a plant or a part thereof that has increased yield per acre.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a plant or a part thereof that has improved quality the plant or a part thereof.

It is still another aspect of the present invention that the harvest of a plant or a part thereof is greater than 30% earlier than conventionally grown plants.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to reduce water usage by 10% to 90% or more.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to reduce fertilizer usage by 10% to 80% or more.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to reduce risk of pest, fungal and insect infestations.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system comprising a central processing unit with at least one sensor for measuring total water consumption by a plant in a plant container. The system will also have a first communication device to send data from at least one sensor to the central processing unit and at least one mixing tank containing nutrients and water. The fertigation system will also have at least one injector that is in communication with the mixing tank and a second communication device to send instructions from the central processing unit to at least one injector. The fertigation system will also have an irrigation device for delivering water and nutrients to the plant where the central processing unit analyzes the data from at least one sensor and controls fertigation by determining the amount of water and nutrients to be delivered to the plant. The central processing unit will then instruct at least one injector to deliver water and nutrients from at least one mixing tank to the plant through an irrigation device.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system where the plant container is separated from the soil.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system where the plant container is separated from the soil.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system where the plant container is separated from the underlying soil by elevating the plant container.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system where at least one sensor is used to measure the amount of water delivered to the plant.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system and apparatus where at least one sensor is used to measure the total amount of excess water from the plant container.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system where at least one sensor is used to measure the chemical content of the excess water from the plant container.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system where at least one sensor is used to measure the total amount of water available to the plant.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system where at least one sensor is used to measure the total amount of water delivered to the plant, wherein the sensor is a liquid volume gauge.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system where at least one sensor is used to measure the total amount of excess water from the plant container, wherein the sensor is a liquid volume gauge.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system where a sensor is used to measure the total amount of water available to the plant, wherein the sensor is a scale.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system where at least one collection container is used for the measurement of the chemical content of the excess water from the plant container.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system where at least one sensor is used to measure chemical content.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system where a sensor is used to measure the total amount of water delivered to the plant, a sensor is used to measure the total amount of excess water from the plant container, a sensor is used to measure the total amount of water available to the plant and at least one sensor is used to measure chemical content.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system where data from at least one sensor is analyzed by a central processing unit.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system where the analysis from the central processing unit determines the timing of irrigation events.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system where the analysis from the central processing unit determines the amount of water to be applied during an irrigation event.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system where the analysis from the central processing unit is used in preparing the concentration of each nutritional component.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system where the irrigation device is a drip irritation line.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system where the plant container is periodically flushed.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a method of fertigation comprising the steps of growing a plant in an elevated berm; providing at least one sensor for measuring the total water consumption by the plant in the elevated berm; analyzing data from said at least one sensor to determine the amount of water and nutrients to be delivered to the plant; and delivering the determined amount of water and nutrients to the plant by an irrigation device at a predetermined schedule.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a method of fertigation further comprising at least one sensor from the group consisting of a soil moisture sensor, a stem diameter sensor, a fruit diameter sensor, a leaf temperature sensor, a relative-rate sap sensor, an infrared sensor, a near-infrared sensor and a stem auxanometer.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a method of fertigation wherein data from at least one sensor is analyzed by a central processing unit.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a method of fertigation wherein the analysis from said central processing unit determines the timing of irrigation events.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a method of fertigation wherein the analysis from said central processing unit determines the amount of water to be applied during an irrigation event.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a method of fertigation wherein the analysis from said central processing unit is used in preparing the concentration of each nutritional component.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a method of fertigation wherein said irrigation device is a drip irritation line.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system comprising a central processing unit; at least one sensor for measuring total water consumption by a plant in a elevated berm; a first communication device to send data from said at least one sensor to the central processing unit; at least one mixing tank containing nutrients and water; at least one injector; a second communication device to send instructions from the central processing unit to said at least one injector; an irrigation device for delivering water and nutrients to the plant; wherein the central processing unit analyzes the data from said at least one sensor and controls fertigation by determining the amount of water and nutrients to be delivered to the plant and instructing said at least one injector to deliver water and nutrients from said at least one mixing tank to the plant through the irrigation device.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system further comprising at least one additional sensor from the group consisting of a soil moisture sensor, a stem diameter sensor, a fruit diameter sensor, a leaf temperature sensor, a relative-rate sap sensor, an infrared sensor, a near-infrared sensor and a stem auxanometer.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system wherein data from at least one sensor is analyzed by said central processing unit.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system wherein the analysis from said central processing unit determines the timing of irrigation events.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system wherein the analysis from said central processing unit determines the amount of water to be applied during an irrigation event.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system wherein the analysis from said central processing unit is used in preparing the concentration of each nutritional component.

It is still another aspect of the present invention to provide a fertigation system wherein said irrigation device is a drip irritation line.

In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments described above, further aspects and embodiments will become apparent by study of the following descriptions.

DEFINITIONS

In the description and tables which follow, a number of terms are used.

In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the specification and claims, including the scope to be given such terms, the following definitions are provided:

Chemical content: means macro or micro fertilizer components such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, magnesium, zinc, pH and electroconductivity.

Computer fertigation controller: means the part of the computer control system that is dedicated to accepting data inputs from sensors and manual imports and then performs one or more necessary calculations to determine the starting times and durations for each irrigation event and the associated injection rates for the nutrition components added to the water.

Conventional growing methods: means current practices of plants grown in soil in the field and watered with flood, drip or sprinkler irrigation. This usually involves longer irrigation events than the current invention. Application of fertilizer is generally applied at set times throughout the growing season, rather than with each irrigation event. Comparatively, conventional growing techniques are much less intensive than the methods of the current invention, in which minimal amounts of fertilizer and other nutritional components are mixed with water so that plants are also fed each time they are watered.

Fertigation: means the watering of plants to aid in plant growth where nutrients are added to the water to improve plant growth.

Increased nutritional value: means vitamin and/or mineral content as much as 800% of United States Department of Agriculture standards.

Irrigation event: means on a specific day, at a specific time and for a specific duration, irrigation water is delivered to a plant, a plant part thereof and/or a container by way of an irrigation line.

Nutrient values: means vitamin and/or mineral content of a plant or a part thereof as reported by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Nutritional components: mean any vitamins, minerals and organic components that are needed to support plant metabolism.

Plant or a part thereof: means a whole plant, plant cells, plant protoplasts, plant cell tissue cultures from which plants can be regenerated, plant calli, plant clumps, and plant cells as well as embryos, pollen, ovules, flowers, leaves, roots, root tips, stem, trunk, bark, fruit, seed, nut, anthers, pistils, and the like.

Total water available to the plant: means the mass of the water remaining in the plant container and measured by taking the weight of the plant, soil and plant container on a scale and zeroing out the scale prior to the next irrigation event. Therefore only the mass of the water and not the mass of the plant, soil and container are measured.

Total water consumption: means the difference between the amount of water delivered to a plant container and the amount of water that drains out from the bottom of the container during and after an irrigation event and before the next irrigation event.

Total water delivered: means the volume of water in milliliters that is applied to a plant from a drip emitter during any single irrigation event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in referenced Figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and Figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting.

FIG. 1 shows a diagram depicting the process of measuring water consumption, the analysis of the data and the determination as to how much water and/or nutrients the plant required.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram depicting the process of analysis by a software program of data sent from the field sensors in determining water and nutrient amounts as well as timing for the next irrigation event.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram depicting the process of analysis by a software program of data sent from the field sensors analyzing chemical content concentrations in determining water and nutrient amounts as well as timing for the next irrigation event.

FIG. 4 shows a diagram depicting a plant in a plant container with an irrigation line delivering water to a drip emitter stationed over a sensor.

FIG. 5 shows a diagram depicting a plant in a plant container elevated above a sensor stationed to collect and measure excess water draining from the bottom of the plant container.

FIG. 6 shows a diagram depicting a plant in a plant container situated on a weighing scale where the weight of the plant container, including the plant, soil and water together, is continuously measured.

FIG. 7 shows a diagram depicting a plant in a plant container elevated above a collection container where excess water draining from the plant contained is collected in order for the chemical content of the excess water to be measured by a chemical sensor.

FIG. 8 shows a graph of continuous data from the weight scale over several days.

FIG. 9 shows a diagram depicting the process of measuring water consumption in the elevated berm, the analysis of the data and the determination as to how much water and/or nutrients the plant required.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention successfully improves the shortcomings of the presently known systems by providing a computer controlled fertigation system which enables a grower to monitor water and/or nutrient consumption by a plant in a container and automatically determine the appropriate amount of water and/or nutrients necessary for the next irrigation event and the timing of the next irrigation event.

Computer controlled fertigation through the use of sensors to monitor water and nutrient consumption by perennial plants or plants that live for more than two years, has not been used prior to the present invention.

The current invention has been successfully employed with a wide variety of plants, including but not limited to: citrus, table grapes, wine grapes, bananas, papaya, coffee, goji berries, figs, avocados, guava, pineapple, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, olives, pistachios, pomegranates, artichokes and almonds.

The present invention provides a method of computer controlled fertigation with one or more sensors for measuring the total water consumption and/or one or more sensors to measure the total nutrient consumption by a plant. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention at least one sensor was provided to measure the total water delivered to the plant. In a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, a sensor was provided to measure the volume of excess water from the plant. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention a weighing scale was placed under the plant to measure the total amount of water available to the plant and at least one collection container for receiving excess water from the plant container (a receptacle for holding the soil and the plant) was placed under the plant and an chemical content sensor was provided to measure the chemical content of the excess water. Additionally, in another preferred embodiment of the present invention, at least one sensor was provided to measure the total amount of water that was continuously available to the plant.

The data from the various sensors was sent to and analyzed by a computer fertigation controller. The computer fertigation controller then used the analysis to determine the timing of irrigation events as well as the amount of water and/or nutrients to be applied during the next irrigation event. The irrigation events would then be sent through an irrigation conduit with a liquid drip emitter or irrigation line that provides water and/or nutrients at a predetermined schedule

Additionally, the present invention unexpectedly produced a plant, or a part thereof, that had increased nutrient values of approximately 100% or more as well as improved yield. The present invention has decreased the time from planting to harvesting of the plant or a part thereof by approximately 30% or more.

Example 1 Measurement of Water Consumption

In a first embodiment of the current invention, a series of four sensors was positioned in order to quantify the amount of water and/or nutrients that a plant consumed. These four sensors were used to measure: 1) the amount of water delivered to the plant; 2) the volume of excess water exiting from the plant; 3) the chemical content of the excess water from the plant; and 4) the total amount of water continuously available to the plant.

To measure the amount of water delivered to the plant, a sensor (for example, TB4-L Hydrological Services 8″ Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge), as shown in FIG. 1, part 2 and FIG. 4, part 28, was stationed under a single set of drip emitters that deliver water to a single plant container. Alternatively, an in-line flow sensor could also be employed. The drip emitter is a device that is used on an irrigation line to transfer water to the area to be irrigated, as shown in FIG. 4, part 26, next to the plant container in FIG. 4 part 29. Netafim integrated drippers, pressure compensated on-line drippers or arrow drippers were used depending on the crop type grown. The sensor collected and measured the amount of water distributed from the drip emitter during watering events that provide water and/or nutrients to the neighboring plant. Alternatively, water may also be delivered via overhead sprinklers or through flood irrigation to plants in containers.

Drip emitters were situated along the irrigation line (also known as the drip irrigation line) which is a pipe, hose or conduit which delivers water and/or nutrients from the fertigation system to the base of plants under cultivation, as shown in FIG. 1, part 1 and FIG. 4, part 27. Preferably a drip emitter was located at the base of a plant and to each side of the plant. For example, for use with fruit trees, a drip emitter was placed at the base of the tree and to either side of the inside of the plant container. Alternatively, several drip emitters may surround the plant at various locations over the plant container. The drip emitter may simply be a small hole in the conduit through which liquid may slowly escape or a small tube running from the conduit and into the container.

Table 1 shows the volume of water that was applied to the plant container through the drip emitter in milliliters based on collection of the water directly from the drip emitter into a sensor. Table 1 also shows the dates and various times of the irrigation events as well as the ph and electrode concentrations of the water collected from the drip emitter. Column 1 of Table 1 shows the date, column 2 shows the time of the irrigation even and column 3 shows the total volume of water from the irrigation line in milliliters.

TABLE 1 TIME OF IRRIGATION VOLUME OF WATER FROM DATE EVENT IRRIGATION LINE (ml) May 25, 2006 11:20 AM 2,500 May 25, 2006 4:25 PM 2,500 May 26, 2006 11:35 AM 2,375 May 26, 2006 4:15 PM 2,255 May 26, 2006 3:25 PM 1,375 May 27, 2006 10:15 AM 2,500 May 27, 2006 4:00 PM 2,625 May 28, 2006 10:00 AM 2,250 May 28, 2006 3:40 PM 2,375 May 28, 2006 9:00 PM 1,750 May 29, 2006 11:00 AM 2,200 May 29, 2006 3:40 PM 2,500 May 29, 2006 9:00 PM 1,375 May 30, 2006 9:40 AM 2,050 May 30, 2006 3:00 PM 2,500 May 30, 2006 9:00 PM 2,250 May 31, 2006 11:00 AM 2,150 May 31, 2006 3:00 PM 3,000 Jun. 02, 2006 9:00 PM 2,100 Jun. 04, 2006 10:30 AM 2,200 Jun. 04, 2006 2:45 PM 2,875 Jun. 04, 2006 7:00 PM 1,550 Jun. 05, 2006 10:50 AM 2,000 Jun. 05, 2006 2:40 PM 3,000 Jun. 05, 2006 8:20 PM 5,500 Jun. 06, 2006 9:40 AM 2,875 Jun. 06, 2006 1:40 PM 2,900 Jun. 06, 2006 5:25 PM 2,850 Jun. 06, 2006 8:30 PM 3,530 Jun. 07, 2006 9:45 AM 2,250 Jun. 07, 2006 1:20 PM 2,750 Jun. 07, 2006 4:30 PM 2,900 Jun. 07, 2006 8:20 PM 2,750 Jun. 08, 2006 8:30 AM 2,000 Jun. 08, 2006 12:40 PM 6,000 Jun. 08, 2006 3:00 PM 2,700 Jun. 08, 2006 8:30 PM 3,250 Jun. 09, 2006 9:00 AM 2,100 Jun. 09, 2006 11:50 AM 2,300 Jun. 09, 2006 3:00 PM 2,000 Jun. 09, 2006 7:15 PM 2,250 Jun. 10, 2006 9:40 AM 2,875 Jun. 10, 2006 1:30 PM 2,000 Jun. 10, 2006 4:30 PM 2,875 Jun. 11, 2006 9:30 AM 2,000 Jun. 11, 2006 1:45 PM 3,500 Jun. 11, 2006 4:30 PM 5,000 Jun. 11, 2006 8:30 PM 2,750 Jun. 12, 2006 8:10 AM 2,050 Jun. 12, 2006 10:50 AM 2,400 Jun. 12, 2006 1:40 PM 2,400 Jun. 12, 2006 4:00 PM 2,375 Jun. 12, 2006 7:30 PM 2,400 Jun. 13, 2006 10:35 AM 2,150 Jun. 13, 2006 1:00 PM 2,500 Jun. 13, 2006 3:00 PM 2,375 Jun. 13, 2006 6:45 PM 2,375 Jun. 14, 2006 10:20 AM 2,000 Jun. 14, 2006 12:30 PM 2,325 Jun. 14, 2006 2:35 PM 2,200 Jun. 14, 2006 8:30 PM 1,750 Jun. 15, 2006 11:30 AM 2,200 Jun. 15, 2006 1:15 PM 3,125 Jun. 15, 2006 3:30 PM 2,375 Jun. 15, 2006 8:30 PM 3,250 Jun. 16, 2006 10:00 AM 2,200 Jun. 16, 2006 12:30 PM 2,350 Jun. 16, 2006 2:30 PM 2,150 Jun. 16, 2006 5:30 PM 2,500 Jun. 16, 2006 8:30 PM 2,500 Jun. 17, 2006 9:30 AM 2,400 Jun. 17, 2006 10:20 PM 2,500 Jun. 17, 2006 2:35 PM 2,000 Jun. 17, 2006 5:30 PM 2,400 Jun. 17, 2006 5:30 PM 2,375 Jun. 18, 2006 8:30 AM 2,325 Jun. 18, 2006 11:00 AM 2,500 Jun. 18, 2006 1:20 PM 2,500 Jun. 18, 2006 3:30 PM 2,325 Jun. 18, 2006 5:30 PM 2,500 Jun. 19, 2006 7:30 AM 2,050 Jun. 19, 2006 10:45 AM 2,000 Jun. 19, 2006 1:30 PM 2,300 Jun. 19, 2006 3:30 PM 2,375 Jun. 19, 2006 5:52 PM 2,300 Jun. 20, 2006 9:00 AM 2,225 Jun. 20, 2006 11:20 AM 2,075 Jun. 20, 2006 1:45 PM 2,250 Jun. 20, 2006 4:00 PM 2,150 Jun. 20, 2006 5:45 PM 2,250 Jun. 21, 2006 9:00 AM 2,275 Jun. 21, 2006 11:45 AM 2,000 Jun. 21, 2006 1:40 PM 1,550 Jun. 21, 2006 3:30 PM 2,300 Jun. 21, 2006 6:30 PM 2,000 Jun. 22, 2006 8:00 AM 2,075 Jun. 22, 2006 10:05 AM 2,050 Jun. 22, 2006 12:15 PM 2,000 Jun. 22, 2006 2:00 PM 2,150 Jun. 22, 2006 4:00 PM 2,500 Jun. 23, 2006 8:30 AM 2,350 Jun. 23, 2006 10:30 AM 2,125 Jun. 23, 2006 12:30 PM 2,000 Jun. 23, 2006 2:30 PM 2,225 Jun. 23, 2006 4:30 PM 2,050 Jun. 24, 2006 6:10 AM 2,300 Jun. 24, 2006 9:15 AM 2,275 Jun. 24, 2006 11:15 AM 2,300 Jun. 24, 2006 1:10 PM 1,900 Jun. 24, 2006 3:00 PM 2,100 Jun. 25, 2006 6:20 AM 2,375 Jun. 25, 2006 9:30 AM 2,100 Jun. 25, 2006 11:30 AM 2,225 Jun. 25, 2006 1:45 PM 2,200 Jun. 25, 2006 3:45 PM 2,075 Jun. 26, 2006 7:00 AM 2,350 Jun. 26, 2006 9:25 AM 2,375 Jun. 26, 2006 11:25 AM 2,200 Jun. 26, 2006 1:25 PM 2,300 Jun. 26, 2006 3:25 PM 2,375 Jun. 27, 2006 6:10 AM 1,775 Jun. 27, 2006 8:00 AM 1,750 Jun. 27, 2006 11:30 AM 1,750 Jun. 27, 2006 1:30 PM 1,850 Jun. 27, 2006 3:30 PM 1,550 Jun. 29, 2006 9:00 AM 1,250 Jun. 29, 2006 11:00 AM 1,175 Jun. 29, 2006 1:00 PM 1,300 Jun. 29, 2006 3:10 PM 1,250 Jun. 29, 2006 5:00 PM 1,100 Jun. 30, 2006 9:30 AM 1,250 Jun. 30, 2006 11:30 AM 1,375 Jun. 30, 2006 1:30 PM 1,125 Jun. 30, 2006 3:30 PM 1,125 Jun. 30, 2006 5:15 PM 1,500 Jun. 30, 2006 7:00 PM 1,650 Jun. 30, 2006 9:15 PM 1,625 Jul. 01, 2006 9:00 AM 1,250 Jul. 01, 2006 11:00 AM 1,050 Jul. 01, 2006 1:00 PM 1,450 Jul. 01, 2006 3:00 PM 1,250 Jul. 01, 2006 5:00 PM 1,325 Jul. 01, 2006 7:00 PM 1,300 Jul. 01, 2006 9:45 PM 1,375 Jul. 02, 2006 10:00 AM 1,375 Jul. 02, 2006 12:00 PM 1,625 Jul. 02, 2006 1:45 PM 1,500 Jul. 02, 2006 3:20 PM 1,500 Jul. 02, 2006 4:20 PM 1,625 Jul. 02, 2006 6:00 PM 1,375 Jul. 02, 2006 8:00 PM 1,250 Jul. 02, 2006 9:15 PM 1,900 Jul. 03, 2006 9:00 AM 1,250 Jul. 03, 2006 11:00 AM 1,025 Jul. 03, 2006 1:00 PM 1,250 Jul. 03, 2006 2:30 PM 1,250 Jul. 03, 2006 4:00 PM 1,350 Jul. 03, 2006 6:00 PM 1,125 Jul. 03, 2006 9:35 PM 1,350 Jul. 04, 2006 9:00 AM 1,500 Jul. 04, 2006 10:30 AM 1,300 Jul. 04, 2006 12:00 PM 1,350 Jul. 04, 2006 2:15 PM 1,375 Jul. 04, 2006 4:00 PM 1,250 Jul. 04, 2006 6:00 PM 1,250 Jul. 04, 2006 7:50 PM 1,500 Jul. 04, 2006 9:45 PM 1,375 Jul. 05, 2006 9:00 AM 1,250 Jul. 05, 2006 11:00 AM 1,050 Jul. 05, 2006 12:40 PM 1,250 Jul. 05, 2006 2:30 PM 1,375 Jul. 05, 2006 4:20 PM 1,000 Jul. 05, 2006 5:50 PM 1,600 Jul. 05, 2006 7:45 PM 1,375 Jul. 05, 2006 10:00 PM 1,900 Jul. 06, 2006 9:00 AM 1,250 Jul. 06, 2006 11:15 AM 1,225 Jul. 06, 2006 1:10 PM 1,250 Jul. 06, 2006 3:00 PM 1,325 Jul. 06, 2006 5:00 PM 1,125 Jul. 06, 2006 6:50 PM 1,375 Jul. 06, 2006 9:35 PM 1,500 Jul. 07, 2006 9:00 AM 1,250 Jul. 07, 2006 11:05 AM 1,375 Jul. 07, 2006 1:15 PM 1,125 Jul. 07, 2006 3:10 PM 1,375 Jul. 07, 2006 4:30 PM 1,125 Jul. 07, 2006 6:00 PM 1,500 Jul. 07, 2006 9:30 PM 1,375 Jul. 08, 2006 9:15 AM 1,250 Jul. 08, 2006 11:15 AM 1,125 Jul. 08, 2006 12:45 PM 1,375 Jul. 08, 2006 2:00 PM 1,000 Jul. 08, 2006 2:50 PM 1,250 Jul. 08, 2006 3:55 PM 1,250 Jul. 08, 2006 5:15 PM 1,375 Jul. 08, 2006 7:30 PM 1,250 Jul. 09, 2006 9:00 AM 1,350 Jul. 09, 2006 10:30 AM 1,250 Jul. 09, 2006 12:15 PM 1,250 Jul. 09, 2006 1:25 PM 1,250 Jul. 09, 2006 2:50 PM 970 Jul. 09, 2006 4:10 PM 1,370 Jul. 09, 2006 6:00 PM 1,400 Jul. 09, 2006 7:50 PM 1,375 Jul. 10, 2006 9:00 AM 1,250 Jul. 10, 2006 10:45 AM 1,375 Jul. 10, 2006 12:25 PM 1,250 Jul. 10, 2006 2:00 PM 1,125 Jul. 10, 2006 3:30 PM 1,225 Jul. 10, 2006 5:15 PM 2,000 Jul. 10, 2006 7:30 PM 1,375 Jul. 10, 2006 10:15 PM 1,100 Jul. 11, 2006 9:15 AM 1,275 Jul. 11, 2006 11:25 AM 1,250 Jul. 11, 2006 1:05 PM 1,050 Jul. 11, 2006 2:45 PM 1,275 Jul. 11, 2006 4:30 PM 1,275 Jul. 11, 2006 6:40 PM 1,375 Jul. 11, 2006 9:20 PM 1,000 Jul. 12, 2006 9:30 AM 1,375 Jul. 12, 2006 12:00 PM 1,125 Jul. 12, 2006 1:45 PM 1,125 Jul. 12, 2006 3:30 PM 1,025 Jul. 12, 2006 4:50 PM 1,375 Jul. 12, 2006 6:15 PM 1,375 Jul. 12, 2006 9:20 PM 1,375 Jul. 13, 2006 9:50 AM 1,375 Jul. 13, 2006 11:50 AM 1,000 Jul. 13, 2006 1:35 PM 1,375 Jul. 13, 2006 3:30 PM 1,225 Jul. 13, 2006 5:10 PM 1,375 Jul. 13, 2006 6:15 PM 1,375 Jul. 14, 2006 9:45 AM 1,375 Jul. 14, 2006 11:30 AM 1,450 Jul. 14, 2006 1:15 PM 1,375 Jul. 14, 2006 3:00 PM 1,275 Jul. 14, 2006 4:45 PM 1,375 Jul. 14, 2006 6:00 PM 1,400 Jul. 14, 2006 9:15 PM 1,250 Jul. 15, 2006 9:45 AM 1,375 Jul. 15, 2006 11:25 AM 1,375 Jul. 15, 2006 1:05 PM 1,400 Jul. 15, 2006 2:40 PM 1,225 Jul. 15, 2006 4:25 PM 1,250 Jul. 15, 2006 6:20 PM 1,250 Jul. 16, 2006 9:15 AM 1,000 Jul. 16, 2006 11:05 AM 1,375 Jul. 16, 2006 12:50 PM 1,375 Jul. 16, 2006 2:30 PM 1,125 Jul. 16, 2006 3:55 PM 1,375 Jul. 16, 2006 5:30 PM 1,625 Jul. 16, 2006 9:00 PM 1,350 Jul. 17, 2006 8:50 AM 1,375 Jul. 17, 2006 10:50 AM 1,375 Jul. 17, 2006 12:45 PM 1,375 Jul. 17, 2006 2:25 PM 1,250 Jul. 17, 2006 3:55 PM 1,125 Jul. 17, 2006 6:45 PM 1,125 Jul. 18, 2006 9:00 AM 1,375 Jul. 18, 2006 11:15 AM 1,625 Jul. 18, 2006 1:15 PM 1,750 Jul. 18, 2006 3:25 PM 1,625 Jul. 18, 2006 7:35 PM 1,375 Jul. 19, 2006 9:10 AM 1,700 Jul. 19, 2006 11:30 AM 1,725 Jul. 19, 2006 1:20 PM 1,650 Jul. 19, 2006 3:00 PM 1,425 Jul. 19, 2006 5:00 PM 1,375 Jul. 19, 2006 8:00 PM 1,780 Jul. 20, 2006 9:00 AM 1,725 Jul. 20, 2006 11:05 AM 1,725 Jul. 20, 2006 1:05 PM 1,750 Jul. 20, 2006 2:40 PM 1,525 Jul. 20, 2006 4:15 PM 1,300 Jul. 20, 2006 6:35 PM 1,300 Jul. 21, 2006 8:55 AM 1,900 Jul. 21, 2006 11:35 AM 1,725 Jul. 21, 2006 1:40 PM 1,750 Jul. 21, 2006 3:25 PM 2,150 Jul. 21, 2006 5:40 PM 1,250 Jul. 22, 2006 9:10 AM 1,425 Jul. 22, 2006 11:25 AM 1,375 Jul. 22, 2006 12:50 PM 1,275 Jul. 22, 2006 2:15 PM 1,250 Jul. 22, 2006 4:00 PM 1,500 Jul. 22, 2006 6:00 PM 2,200 Jul. 24, 2006 8:30 AM 1,750 Jul. 24, 2006 10:15 AM 1,500 Jul. 24, 2006 11:45 AM 1,575 Jul. 24, 2006 1:20 PM 1,375 Jul. 24, 2006 2:35 PM 1,750 Jul. 24, 2006 4:15 PM 1,625 Jul. 24, 2006 6:15 PM 1,125 Jul. 25, 2006 9:00 AM 1,750 Jul. 25, 2006 10:50 AM 1,500 Jul. 25, 2006 12:20 PM 1,750 Jul. 25, 2006 2:00 PM 1,650 Jul. 25, 2006 3:35 PM 2,100 Jul. 25, 2006 5:10 PM 1,375 Jul. 25, 2006 6:30 PM 1,750 Jul. 26, 2006 9:15 AM 1,625 Jul. 26, 2006 11:10 AM 1,750 Jul. 26, 2006 12:50 PM 1,750 Jul. 26, 2006 2:20 PM 1,375 Jul. 26, 2006 3:40 PM 1,500 Jul. 26, 2006 5:00 PM 1,500 Jul. 27, 2006 9:15 AM 1,750 Jul. 27, 2006 11:25 AM 1,750 Jul. 27, 2006 12:50 PM 1,900 Jul. 27, 2006 2:15 PM 1,750 Jul. 27, 2006 3:40 PM 1,500 Jul. 27, 2006 5:00 PM 1,750 Jul. 28, 2006 9:05 AM 1,750 Jul. 28, 2006 10:50 AM 1,625 Jul. 28, 2006 12:15 PM 1,500 Jul. 28, 2006 1:35 PM 1,850 Jul. 28, 2006 3:05 PM 1,525 Jul. 28, 2006 6:00 PM 1,750 Jul. 28, 2006 8:30 PM 1,625 Jul. 29, 2006 9:10 AM 1,750 Jul. 29, 2006 10:45 AM 1,525 Jul. 29, 2006 12:15 PM 1,525 Jul. 29, 2006 1:40 PM 1,750 Jul. 29, 2006 3:05 PM 1,375 Jul. 29, 2006 4:31 PM 1,750 Jul. 29, 2006 6:25 PM 1,750 Jul. 31, 2006 8:30 AM 1,625 Jul. 31, 2006 10:30 AM 1,600 Jul. 31, 2006 12:05 PM 1,500 Jul. 31, 2006 1:45 PM 1,750 Jul. 31, 2006 3:10 PM 1,750 Jul. 31, 2006 4:20 PM 1,750 Jul. 31, 2006 6:00 PM 1,625 Jul. 31, 2006 7:45 PM 1,625 Aug. 01, 2006 7:53 AM 1,625 Aug. 01, 2006 10:48 AM 1,750 Aug. 01, 2006 12:20 PM 1,500 Aug. 01, 2006 2:15 PM 1,750 Aug. 01, 2006 3:48 PM 1,625 Aug. 01, 2006 5:30 PM 1,375 Aug. 01, 2006 8:30 PM 1,500 Aug. 02, 2006 9:28 AM 1,500 Aug. 02, 2006 11:44 AM 1,375 Aug. 02, 2006 1:37 PM 1,625 Aug. 02, 2006 4:40 PM 3,900 Aug. 02, 2006 6:20 PM 1,300 Aug. 02, 2006 9:00 PM 1,050 Aug. 03, 2006 9:33 AM 1,625 Aug. 03, 2006 11:52 AM 2,000 Aug. 03, 2006 1:29 PM 1,625 Aug. 03, 2006 2:53 PM 1,625 Aug. 03, 2006 5:15 PM 1,025 Aug. 03, 2006 7:30 PM 1,900 Aug. 04, 2006 9:40 AM 1,625 Aug. 04, 2006 11:05 AM 1,625 Aug. 04, 2006 12:44 PM 875 Aug. 04, 2006 2:01 PM 1,625 Aug. 04, 2006 3:30 PM 1,625 Aug. 04, 2006 5:00 PM 1,500 Aug. 04, 2006 6:30 PM 1,150 Aug. 04, 2006 9:25 PM 1,500 Aug. 05, 2006 8:47 AM 1,625 Aug. 05, 2006 10:30 AM 1,625 Aug. 05, 2006 12:06 PM 1,625 Aug. 05, 2006 1:48 PM 1,625 Aug. 05, 2006 3:05 PM 1,625 Aug. 05, 2006 4:25 PM 1,625 Aug. 05, 2006 6:15 PM 2,000 Aug. 05, 2006 9:30 PM 1,250 Aug. 06, 2006 9:00 AM 1,625 Aug. 07, 2006 8:56 AM 1,625 Aug. 07, 2006 10:28 AM 1,625 Aug. 07, 2006 12:00 PM 1,625 Aug. 07, 2006 1:10 PM 1,375 Aug. 07, 2006 2:34 PM 1,625 Aug. 07, 2006 3:59 PM 1,500 Aug. 07, 2006 5:11 PM 1,500 Aug. 07, 2006 8:30 PM 1,500 Aug. 08, 2006 8:00 AM 1,125 Aug. 08, 2006 11:10 AM 1,500 Aug. 08, 2006 12:44 PM 1,625 Aug. 08, 2006 2:05 PM 1,500 Aug. 08, 2006 3:22 PM 1,500 Aug. 08, 2006 4:50 PM 1,625 Aug. 08, 2006 6:20 PM 1,500 Aug. 09, 2006 10:40 AM 1,750 Aug. 09, 2006 12:09 PM 1,750 Aug. 09, 2006 1:36 PM 1,750 Aug. 09, 2006 3:04 PM 1,750 Aug. 09, 2006 4:26 PM 1,750 Aug. 09, 2006 6:15 PM 1,250 Aug. 10, 2006 8:04 AM 1,125 Aug. 10, 2006 11:46 AM 1,900 Aug. 10, 2006 1:17 PM 1,750 Aug. 10, 2006 2:45 PM 1,500 Aug. 10, 2006 4:11 PM 1,375 Aug. 10, 2006 5:45 PM 1,750 Aug. 10, 2006 9:00 PM 1,500 Aug. 11, 2006 8:40 AM 1,750 Aug. 11, 2006 10:26 AM 1,750 Aug. 11, 2006 11:54 AM 1,750 Aug. 11, 2006 1:20 PM 1,750 Aug. 11, 2006 2:51 PM 1,750 Aug. 11, 2006 4:17 PM 1,500 Aug. 11, 2006 5:26 PM 1,500 Aug. 11, 2006 8:12 PM 1,750 Aug. 11, 2006 10:01 PM 1,750 Aug. 12, 2006 8:12 AM 1,750 Aug. 12, 2006 10:00 AM 1,750 Aug. 12, 2006 11:30 AM 1,900 Aug. 12, 2006 12:55 PM 1,775 Aug. 12, 2006 2:24 PM 1,625 Aug. 12, 2006 3:37 PM 1,750 Aug. 12, 2006 4:50 PM 1,750 Aug. 13, 2006 9:35 AM 1,750 Aug. 13, 2006 11:30 AM 1,625 Aug. 13, 2006 12:58 PM 1,750 Aug. 13, 2006 2:25 PM 1,750 Aug. 13, 2006 3:44 PM 1,625 Aug. 13, 2006 5:40 PM 1,750 Aug. 13, 2006 6:20 PM 1,700 Aug. 13, 2006 8:30 PM 1,375 Aug. 14, 2006 8:23 AM 1,750 Aug. 14, 2006 10:13 AM 1,750 Aug. 14, 2006 11:53 AM 1,750 Aug. 14, 2006 1:18 PM 1,625 Aug. 14, 2006 3:16 PM 1,625 Aug. 14, 2006 4:42 PM 1,625 Aug. 14, 2006 8:45 PM 1,325 Aug. 15, 2006 9:04 AM 1,750 Aug. 15, 2006 10:54 AM 1,900 Aug. 15, 2006 12:27 PM 1,750 Aug. 15, 2006 1:44 PM 1,900 Aug. 15, 2006 3:44 PM 1,750 Aug. 15, 2006 4:41 PM 1,750 Aug. 15, 2006 6:50 PM 1,900 Aug. 16, 2006 9:36 AM 1,750 Aug. 16, 2006 11:05 AM 1,500 Aug. 16, 2006 12:35 PM 1,750 Aug. 16, 2006 2:13 PM 1,625 Aug. 16, 2006 3:35 PM 1,625 Aug. 16, 2006 5:27 PM 1,750 Aug. 16, 2006 8:45 PM 1,625 Aug. 17, 2006 9:14 AM 1,500 Aug. 17, 2006 11:02 AM 1,500 Aug. 17, 2006 12:26 PM 1,750 Aug. 17, 2006 2:14 PM 1,750 Aug. 17, 2006 3:50 PM 1,750 Aug. 17, 2006 5:35 PM 1,750 Aug. 17, 2006 8:30 PM 1,825 Aug. 18, 2006 9:49 AM 1,750 Aug. 18, 2006 11:44 AM 1,750 Aug. 18, 2006 1:38 PM 1,625 Aug. 18, 2006 3:13 PM 1,625 Aug. 18, 2006 4:42 PM 1,750 Aug. 18, 2006 9:00 PM 1,900 Aug. 19, 2006 9:39 AM 1,750 Aug. 19, 2006 11:32 AM 1,750 Aug. 19, 2006 1:27 PM 1,500 Aug. 19, 2006 3:04 PM 1,590 Aug. 19, 2006 4:56 PM 1,625 Aug. 19, 2006 7:45 PM 1,600 Aug. 20, 2006 10:05 AM 1,900 Aug. 20, 2006 12:20 PM 1,750 Aug. 20, 2006 2:16 PM 1,750 Aug. 20, 2006 4:00 PM 1,750 Aug. 20, 2006 6:30 PM 1,900 Aug. 20, 2006 8:25 PM 1,500 Aug. 21, 2006 7:18 AM 1,750 Aug. 21, 2006 10:36 AM 1,590 Aug. 21, 2006 12:16 PM 1,690 Aug. 21, 2006 1:55 PM 1,750 Aug. 21, 2006 3:24 PM 1,650 Aug. 21, 2006 4:57 PM 1,625 Aug. 21, 2006 7:20 PM 1,900 Aug. 22, 2006 9:23 AM 1,900 Aug. 22, 2006 11:13 AM 1,380 Aug. 22, 2006 12:40 PM 1,750 Aug. 22, 2006 2:12 PM 1,625 Aug. 22, 2006 3:30 PM 1,625 Aug. 22, 2006 5:00 PM 1,625 Aug. 22, 2006 7:20 PM 1,900 Aug. 23, 2006 9:40 AM 1,790 Aug. 23, 2006 11:23 AM 1,625 Aug. 23, 2006 12:42 PM 1,780 Aug. 23, 2006 2:05 PM 1,770 Aug. 23, 2006 3:24 PM 1,750 Aug. 23, 2006 4:50 PM 1,500 Aug. 23, 2006 6:30 PM 1,625 Aug. 23, 2006 8:30 PM 1,900 Aug. 24, 2006 9:16 AM 1,750 Aug. 24, 2006 10:47 AM 1,625 Aug. 24, 2006 12:00 PM 1,900 Aug. 24, 2006 1:25 PM 1,790 Aug. 24, 2006 3:01 PM 1,790 Aug. 24, 2006 4:34 PM 1,900 Aug. 24, 2006 6:30 PM 1,000 Aug. 24, 2006 8:45 PM 1,250 Aug. 25, 2006 9:22 AM 2,650 Aug. 25, 2006 11:17 AM 1,900 Aug. 25, 2006 12:55 PM 1,790 Aug. 25, 2006 2:28 PM 1,500 Aug. 25, 2006 3:46 PM 1,900 Aug. 25, 2006 5:21 PM 1,900 Aug. 26, 2006 8:30 AM 2,000 Aug. 26, 2006 10:47 AM 1,625 Aug. 26, 2006 12:27 PM 1,750 Aug. 26, 2006 2:10 PM 1,290 Aug. 26, 2006 3:25 PM 1,750 Aug. 26, 2006 4:51 PM 1,390 Aug. 26, 2006 7:00 PM 1,050 Aug. 27, 2006 8:45 AM 2,300 Aug. 27, 2006 10:51 AM 1,750 Aug. 27, 2006 12:33 PM 1,290 Aug. 27, 2006 2:02 PM 1,750 Aug. 27, 2006 3:40 PM 1,750 Aug. 27, 2006 5:20 PM 1,750 Aug. 27, 2006 8:00 PM 220 Aug. 28, 2006 9:15 AM 1,750 Aug. 28, 2006 11:02 AM 1,890 Aug. 28, 2006 12:36 PM 1,790 Aug. 28, 2006 2:12 PM 1,750 Aug. 28, 2006 3:04 PM 1,625 Aug. 28, 2006 4:27 PM 1,900 Aug. 28, 2006 6:05 PM 1,500 Aug. 28, 2006 9:00 PM 1,750 Aug. 29, 2006 9:32 AM 1,750 Aug. 29, 2006 11:28 AM 1,625 Aug. 29, 2006 1:09 PM 1,625 Aug. 29, 2006 2:52 PM 1,690 Aug. 29, 2006 4:26 PM 1,625 Aug. 29, 2006 6:10 PM 1,625 Aug. 30, 2006 8:30 AM 1,500 Aug. 30, 2006 10:30 AM 1,500 Aug. 30, 2006 12:08 PM 1,520 Aug. 30, 2006 1:29 PM 1,500 Aug. 30, 2006 2:51 PM 1,625 Aug. 30, 2006 4:05 PM 1,500 Aug. 30, 2006 5:30 PM 1,625 Aug. 30, 2006 9:00 PM 1,625 Aug. 31, 2006 9:30 AM 2,000 Aug. 31, 2006 11:50 AM 1,500 Aug. 31, 2006 1:31 PM 1,500 Aug. 31, 2006 2:49 PM 1,625 Aug. 31, 2006 4:09 PM 1,625 Aug. 31, 2006 5:48 PM 2,050 Sep. 01, 2006 8:30 AM 1,450 Sep. 01, 2006 10:50 AM 1,500 Sep. 01, 2006 12:23 PM 1,625 Sep. 01, 2006 1:51 PM 1,500 Sep. 01, 2006 3:16 PM 1,550 Sep. 01, 2006 4:40 PM 1,500 Sep. 01, 2006 7:00 PM 1,500 Sep. 02, 2006 8:35 AM 1,500 Sep. 02, 2006 10:31 AM 1,375 Sep. 02, 2006 12:04 PM 1,625 Sep. 02, 2006 1:30 PM 1,625 Sep. 02, 2006 3:00 PM 1,500 Sep. 02, 2006 4:20 PM 1,625 Sep. 02, 2006 6:00 PM 1,500 Sep. 02, 2006 9:15 PM 1,500 Sep. 03, 2006 9:10 AM 1,625 Sep. 03, 2006 11:21 AM 1,750 Sep. 03, 2006 12:55 PM 1,690 Sep. 03, 2006 2:14 PM 1,625 Sep. 03, 2006 3:34 PM 1,750 Sep. 03, 2006 5:25 PM 1,750 Sep. 03, 2006 8:00 PM 2,625 Sep. 04, 2006 8:59 AM 1,750 Sep. 04, 2006 11:17 AM 1,750 Sep. 04, 2006 12:59 PM 1,625 Sep. 04, 2006 2:32 PM 1,625 Sep. 04, 2006 3:52 PM 1,750 Sep. 04, 2006 5:25 PM 1,625 Sep. 04, 2006 8:30 PM 1,625 Sep. 06, 2006 8:30 AM 1,750 Sep. 06, 2006 10:30 AM 1,750 Sep. 06, 2006 11:45 AM 1,900 Sep. 06, 2006 12:59 PM 1,625 Sep. 06, 2006 2:04 PM 1,500 Sep. 06, 2006 3:30 PM 1,625 Sep. 06, 2006 4:20 PM 1,750 Sep. 06, 2006 6:45 PM 2,371 Sep. 07, 2006 8:50 AM 2,000 Sep. 07, 2006 10:20 AM 2,000 Sep. 07, 2006 11:46 AM 1,750 Sep. 07, 2006 1:06 PM 1,625 Sep. 07, 2006 2:15 PM 1,375 Sep. 07, 2006 3:18 PM 1,500 Sep. 07, 2006 4:36 PM 1,500 Sep. 07, 2006 7:00 PM 2,375 Sep. 08, 2006 7:48 AM 2,375 Sep. 08, 2006 9:42 AM 1,750 Sep. 08, 2006 10:42 AM 1,500 Sep. 08, 2006 11:49 AM 1,750 Sep. 08, 2006 1:11 PM 1,500 Sep. 08, 2006 2:19 PM 1,750 Sep. 08, 2006 3:38 PM 1,750 Sep. 08, 2006 5:00 PM 1,750 Sep. 08, 2006 7:20 PM 1,625 Sep. 09, 2006 9:00 AM 1,750 Sep. 09, 2006 10:59 AM 1,625 Sep. 09, 2006 12:37 PM 1,825 Sep. 09, 2006 3:44 PM 1,625 Sep. 09, 2006 5:15 PM 1,625 Sep. 09, 2006 7:45 PM 1,600 Sep. 10, 2006 10:30 AM 1,400 Sep. 10, 2006 12:32 PM 1,400 Sep. 10, 2006 2:40 PM 1,375 Sep. 10, 2006 4:20 PM 1,250 Sep. 10, 2006 7:00 PM 1,250 Sep. 11, 2006 10:00 AM 1,375 Sep. 11, 2006 12:04 PM 1,750 Sep. 11, 2006 1:51 PM 1,250 Sep. 11, 2006 3:15 PM 1,375 Sep. 11, 2006 5:00 PM 1,300 Sep. 11, 2006 7:10 PM 1,250 Sep. 12, 2006 10:14 AM 1,500 Sep. 12, 2006 11:59 AM 1,500 Sep. 12, 2006 1:27 PM 1,375 Sep. 12, 2006 3:00 PM 2,500 Sep. 12, 2006 4:36 PM 1,275 Sep. 12, 2006 7:40 PM 1,375 Sep. 13, 2006 10:00 AM 1,375 Sep. 13, 2006 12:07 PM 1,500 Sep. 13, 2006 1:39 PM 1,375 Sep. 13, 2006 2:58 PM 1,375 Sep. 13, 2006 4:16 PM 1,290 Sep. 13, 2006 5:20 PM 1,375 Sep. 14, 2006 10:00 AM 1,500 Sep. 14, 2006 11:51 AM 1,500 Sep. 14, 2006 1:30 PM 1,500 Sep. 14, 2006 2:55 PM 1,500 Sep. 14, 2006 4:39 PM 1,375 Sep. 14, 2006 7:40 PM 1,375 Sep. 15, 2006 10:45 AM 1,900 Sep. 15, 2006 12:41 PM 1,500 Sep. 15, 2006 2:34 PM 1,500 Sep. 15, 2006 5:40 PM 1,625 Sep. 16, 2006 11:00 AM 1,750 Sep. 16, 2006 2:53 PM 1,375 Sep. 16, 2006 5:20 PM 1,750 Sep. 17, 2006 10:50 AM 1,500 Sep. 17, 2006 2:00 PM 1,375 Sep. 17, 2006 5:45 PM 1,500 Sep. 18, 2006 11:15 AM 1,750 Sep. 18, 2006 1:56 PM 1,500 Sep. 18, 2006 4:40 PM 1,500 Sep. 19, 2006 9:37 AM 1,750 Sep. 19, 2006 12:37 PM 1,700 Sep. 19, 2006 2:40 PM 1,625 Sep. 19, 2006 5:30 PM 1,900 Sep. 20, 2006 10:04 AM 1,750 Sep. 20, 2006 1:10 PM 1,625 Sep. 20, 2006 4:30 PM 1,500 Sep. 21, 2006 9:10 AM 1,750 Sep. 21, 2006 12:09 PM 1,375 Sep. 21, 2006 2:31 PM 1,750 Sep. 21, 2006 5:40 PM 1,500 Sep. 22, 2006 10:30 AM 1,750 Sep. 22, 2006 1:48 PM 1,750 Sep. 22, 2006 5:00 PM 1,750 Sep. 23, 2006 9:45 AM 1,900 Sep. 23, 2006 2:10 PM 2,250 Sep. 23, 2006 5:00 PM 2,000 Sep. 24, 2006 8:30 AM 2,500 Sep. 24, 2006 11:45 AM 2,050 Sep. 24, 2006 3:00 PM 2,250 Sep. 24, 2006 6:00 PM 1,500 Sep. 25, 2006 10:55 AM 1,250 Sep. 25, 2006 1:34 PM 1,250 Sep. 25, 2006 3:32 PM 1,550 Sep. 25, 2006 5:20 PM 1,900 Sep. 26, 2006 11:13 AM 1,625 Sep. 26, 2006 1:32 PM 1,625 Sep. 26, 2006 4:47 PM 1,750 Sep. 26, 2006 10:21 AM 1,625 Sep. 26, 2006 12:47 PM 1,625 Sep. 26, 2006 2:43 PM 1,625 Sep. 26, 2006 4:52 PM 1,600 Sep. 26, 2006 6:50 PM 1,600 Sep. 27, 2006 9:45 AM 1,250 Sep. 27, 2006 12:09 PM 1,250 Sep. 27, 2006 1:55 PM 1,375 Sep. 27, 2006 3:36 PM 1,375 Sep. 27, 2006 6:00 PM 1,250 Sep. 29, 2006 10:38 AM 1,375 Sep. 29, 2006 12:38 PM 1,375 Sep. 29, 2006 2:40 PM 1,375 Sep. 29, 2006 4:57 PM 1,250 Sep. 30, 2006 10:40 AM 1,375 Sep. 30, 2006 1:30 PM 1,625 Sep. 30, 2006 4:00 PM 1,625

As can be seen in Table 1, the volume of water applied to the plants varied during each day and from day to day over a four-month growing period. For example, on Jun. 14, 2006 more water was applied in the middle of the day (2,325 ml at 12:30 pm) than at any other time that day. Whereas on Jun. 22, 2006 at approximately the same time, 12:15 pm, only 2,000 ml was needed. In another example, in late May and early June, as the plants were getting established, their water requirements varied considerably, from 1,375 ml to 6,000 ml, whereas from mid to late September at the end of the growing season the plants' water requirements were less variable, from 1,375 ml to 2,500 ml.

Table 1 also shows that the number of irrigation events per day increased during the summer months. For example, on Jun. 6, 2006 there were 4 irrigation events, where as on Jul. 1, 2006 there were 7 irrigation events and on Aug. 1, 2006 the irrigation events increased to 8. Additionally, the irrigation events began to decrease later in the growing season. For example, on Sep. 1, 2006 the number of irrigation events dropped to 7 and on Sep. 29, 2006 the number of irrigation events dropped to 3.

Once it was determined how much water was being delivered to the plant, it was then determined how much water was actually being used by the plant. This was done by measuring the excess water or outflow of water from a plant container. The excess water, as shown in FIG. 5, part 30 was measured using a sensor, as shown in FIG. 1, part 3 and FIG. 5, part 31 that was placed under the container, FIG. 5, part 32. The sensor continuously collected water that was being emitted from the plant container.

Table 2 shows the date and time of various irrigation events as well as the volume of excess water from the plant container. Column 1 of Table 2 shows the date of the irrigation event, column 2 shows the time of the measurement of the excess water and column 3 shows the volume of excess water from the plant container in milliliters.

TABLE 2 Volume of Excess Water Sample from Plant Container Date Time (ml) May 25, 2006 12:10 PM 1,000 May 25, 2006 5:00 PM 1,000 May 26, 2006 9:15 PM 750 May 26, 2006 12:00 PM 1,250 May 26, 2006 4:50 PM 1,400 May 27, 2006 10:30 AM 1,400 May 27, 2006 4:30 PM 875 May 28, 2006 9:30 PM 875 May 28, 2006 11:45 AM 950 May 28, 2006 4:30 PM 1,500 May 29, 2006 9:30 PM 625 May 29, 2006 11:20 AM 1,250 May 29, 2006 3:30 PM 1,000 May 30, 2006 8:40 PM 875 May 30, 2006 11:34 AM 875 May 30, 2006 4:10 PM 1,500 May 31, 2006 8:15 PM 1,375 May 31, 2006 11:15 AM 800 Jun. 02, 2006 3:30 PM 1,500 Jun. 04, 2006 8:00 PM 1,800 Jun. 04, 2006 10:40 AM 875 Jun. 04, 2006 3:20 PM 1,500 Jun. 05, 2006 8:25 PM 3,825 Jun. 05, 2006 10:30 AM 1,900 Jun. 05, 2006 2:26 PM 1,900 Jun. 06, 2006 6:10 PM 1,500 Jun. 06, 2006 8:30 PM 3,000 Jun. 06, 2006 10:48 AM 1,125 Jun. 06, 2006 2:50 PM 1,500 Jun. 07, 2006 5:20 PM 1,375 Jun. 07, 2006 9:15 PM 1,750 Jun. 07, 2006 10:30 AM 1,125 Jun. 07, 2006 1:20 PM 4,500 Jun. 08, 2006 3:50 PM 1,750 Jun. 08, 2006 8:00 PM 2,000 Jun. 08, 2006 9:40 AM 1,250 Jun. 08, 2006 12:30 PM 1,500 Jun. 09, 2006 3:30 PM 875 Jun. 09, 2006 8:40 PM 1,750 Jun. 09, 2006 10:30 AM 2,750 Jun. 09, 2006 2:10 PM 950 Jun. 10, 2006 8:10 PM 1,500 Jun. 10, 2006 10:30 AM 1,300 Jun. 10, 2006 2:30 PM 1,750 Jun. 11, 2006 3:50 PM 3,250 Jun. 11, 2006 8:20 PM 2,000 Jun. 11, 2006 9:00 AM 1,625 Jun. 11, 2006 11:30 AM 1,875 Jun. 12, 2006 2:20 PM 1,500 Jun. 12, 2006 4:40 PM 1,500 Jun. 12, 2006 8:00 PM 1,600 Jun. 12, 2006 11:30 AM 1,125 Jun. 12, 2006 1:45 PM 1,625 Jun. 13, 2006 3:43 PM 1,500 Jun. 13, 2006 7:00 PM 1,375 Jun. 13, 2006 11:00 AM 950 Jun. 13, 2006 1:15 PM 1,700 Jun. 14, 2006 3:15 PM 1,500 Jun. 14, 2006 7:05 PM 600 Jun. 14, 2006 12:10 PM 625 Jun. 14, 2006 2:10 PM 2,325 Jun. 15, 2006 4:30 PM 1,500 Jun. 15, 2006 8:00 PM 2,375 Jun. 15, 2006 10:40 AM 875 Jun. 15, 2006 1:15 PM 1,375 Jun. 16, 2006 3:10 PM 1,250 Jun. 16, 2006 6:00 PM 1,250 Jun. 16, 2006 8:00 PM 1,500 Jun. 16, 2006 9:20 PM 1,200 Jun. 16, 2006 2:30 PM 1,550 Jun. 17, 2006 3:10 PM 750 Jun. 17, 2006 6:10 PM 1,000 Jun. 17, 2006 9:40 PM 1,750 Jun. 17, 2006 9:00 AM 1,500 Jun. 17, 2006 11:45 AM 1,350 Jun. 18, 2006 2:00 PM 1,375 Jun. 18, 2006 4:45 PM 1,000 Jun. 18, 2006 7:00 PM 625 Jun. 18, 2006 11:30 AM 1,000 Jun. 19, 2006 2:10 PM 1,375 Jun. 19, 2006 4:15 PM 1,600 Jun. 19, 2006 7:45 PM 1,375 Jun. 19, 2006 9:45 AM 1,500 Jun. 19, 2006 12:00 PM 1,250 Jun. 20, 2006 2:30 PM 1,500 Jun. 20, 2006 5:00 PM 1,250 Jun. 20, 2006 6:15 PM 1,500 Jun. 20, 2006 9:30 AM 1,625 Jun. 20, 2006 1:30 PM 1,000 Jun. 21, 2006 2:20 PM 1,100 Jun. 21, 2006 5:15 PM 1,125 Jun. 21, 2006 7:00 PM 1,250 Jun. 21, 2006 8:40 AM 1,500 Jun. 21, 2006 10:45 AM 1,275 Jun. 22, 2006 1:00 PM 1,125 Jun. 22, 2006 2:40 PM 1,300 Jun. 22, 2006 4:50 PM 1,450 Jun. 22, 2006 9:15 AM 1,500 Jun. 22, 2006 11:20 AM 1,300 Jun. 23, 2006 1:15 PM 1,300 Jun. 23, 2006 3:10 PM 1,250 Jun. 23, 2006 5:00 PM 1,050 Jun. 23, 2006 7:00 AM 1,900 Jun. 23, 2006 10:00 AM 1,500 Jun. 24, 2006 12:00 PM 1,500 Jun. 24, 2006 1:40 PM 1,250 Jun. 24, 2006 3:40 PM 1,000 Jun. 24, 2006 7:00 AM 1,900 Jun. 24, 2006 10:15 AM 1,500 Jun. 25, 2006 1:15 PM 1,375 Jun. 25, 2006 2:25 PM 1,050 Jun. 25, 2006 4:25 PM 1,225 Jun. 25, 2006 7:40 AM 1,900 Jun. 25, 2006 10:00 AM 2,000 Jun. 26, 2006 12:00 PM 1,250 Jun. 26, 2006 2:00 PM 1,500 Jun. 26, 2006 4:10 PM 1,350 Jun. 26, 2006 6:45 AM 1,600 Jun. 26, 2006 8:30 AM 1,500 Jun. 27, 2006 12:10 PM 500 Jun. 27, 2006 2:00 PM 750 Jun. 27, 2006 3:50 PM 525 Jun. 27, 2006 9:30 AM 350 Jun. 27, 2006 11:20 AM 450 Jun. 29, 2006 2:00 PM 325 Jun. 29, 2006 3:40 PM 175 Jun. 29, 2006 5:20 PM 150 Jun. 29, 2006 10:00 AM 400 Jun. 29, 2006 12:00 PM 400 Jun. 30, 2006 2:00 PM 175 Jun. 30, 2006 4:00 PM 50 Jun. 30, 2006 5:50 PM 250 Jun. 30, 2006 7:30 PM 875 Jun. 30, 2006 9:40 PM 1,100 Jun. 30, 2006 9:30 AM 450 Jun. 30, 2006 11:30 AM 300 Jul. 01, 2006 9:30 AM 450 Jul. 01, 2006 11:30 AM 300 Jul. 01, 2006 1:20 PM 275 Jul. 01, 2006 3:30 PM 175 Jul. 01, 2006 5:30 PM 175 Jul. 01, 2006 7:30 PM 400 Jul. 01, 2006 10:15 PM 800 Jul. 02, 2006 10:30 AM 175 Jul. 02, 2006 12:30 PM 400 Jul. 02, 2006 2:20 PM 250 Jul. 02, 2006 3:45 PM 300 Jul. 02, 2006 4:45 PM 500 Jul. 02, 2006 6:30 PM 500 Jul. 02, 2006 8:20 PM 625 Jul. 02, 2006 6:15 PM 1,375 Jul. 03, 2006 9:30 AM 400 Jul. 03, 2006 11:30 AM 325 Jul. 03, 2006 1:30 PM 175 Jul. 03, 2006 3:00 PM 350 Jul. 03, 2006 4:30 PM 350 Jul. 03, 2006 6:30 PM 200 Jul. 03, 2006 6:45 PM 975 Jul. 04, 2006 9:30 AM 625 Jul. 04, 2006 11:15 AM 625 Jul. 04, 2006 12:45 PM 500 Jul. 04, 2006 1:15 PM 500 Jul. 04, 2006 4:30 PM 275 Jul. 04, 2006 6:20 PM 725 Jul. 04, 2006 8:31 PM 875 Jul. 04, 2006 7:00 PM 1,350 Jul. 05, 2006 9:30 AM 450 Jul. 05, 2006 11:20 AM 350 Jul. 05, 2006 1:15 PM 350 Jul. 05, 2006 3:00 PM 375 Jul. 05, 2006 4:45 PM 75 Jul. 05, 2006 6:15 PM 450 Jul. 05, 2006 8:15 PM 750 Jul. 05, 2006 9:35 PM 1,375 Jul. 06, 2006 9:30 AM 500 Jul. 06, 2006 11:40 AM 450 Jul. 06, 2006 1:40 PM 375 Jul. 06, 2006 3:30 PM 300 Jul. 06, 2006 5:30 PM 75 Jul. 06, 2006 7:15 PM 500 Jul. 06, 2006 9:45 PM 1,125 Jul. 07, 2006 9:30 AM 475 Jul. 07, 2006 11:30 PM 500 Jul. 07, 2006 1:40 PM 300 Jul. 07, 2006 3:35 PM 300 Jul. 07, 2006 12:00 AM 350 Jul. 07, 2006 6:40 PM 625 Jul. 07, 2006 10:00 PM 625 Jul. 08, 2006 9:40 AM 275 Jul. 08, 2006 11:45 AM 125 Jul. 08, 2006 1:10 PM 625 Jul. 08, 2006 2:20 PM 375 Jul. 08, 2006 3:20 PM 650 Jul. 08, 2006 4:30 PM 625 Jul. 08, 2006 5:40 PM 500 Jul. 08, 2006 7:45 PM 400 Jul. 09, 2006 9:25 AM 500 Jul. 09, 2006 11:00 AM 625 Jul. 09, 2006 12:40 PM 325 Jul. 09, 2006 2:00 PM 500 Jul. 09, 2006 3:15 PM 150 Jul. 09, 2006 4:45 PM 450 Jul. 09, 2006 6:30 PM 450 Jul. 09, 2006 8:15 PM 875 Jul. 10, 2006 9:20 AM 450 Jul. 10, 2006 11:15 AM 500 Jul. 10, 2006 12:50 PM 400 Jul. 10, 2006 2:25 PM 150 Jul. 10, 2006 3:55 PM 250 Jul. 10, 2006 5:50 PM 875 Jul. 10, 2006 7:50 PM 750 Jul. 10, 2006 9:35 PM 500 Jul. 11, 2006 9:45 AM 400 Jul. 11, 2006 11:45 AM 375 Jul. 11, 2006 1:30 PM 300 Jul. 11, 2006 3:10 PM 300 Jul. 11, 2006 5:00 PM 225 Jul. 11, 2006 7:00 PM 350 Jul. 11, 2006 9:40 PM 500 Jul. 12, 2006 10:00 AM 500 Jul. 12, 2006 12:30 PM 250 Jul. 12, 2006 2:10 PM 250 Jul. 12, 2006 3:50 PM 75 Jul. 12, 2006 5:30 PM 400 Jul. 12, 2006 7:00 PM 700 Jul. 12, 2006 7:30 PM 1,000 Jul. 13, 2006 10:30 AM 350 Jul. 13, 2006 12:10 PM 100 Jul. 13, 2006 2:00 PM 475 Jul. 13, 2006 4:00 PM 150 Jul. 13, 2006 5:30 PM 350 Jul. 13, 2006 7:50 PM 875 Jul. 14, 2006 10:15 AM 325 Jul. 14, 2006 12:00 PM 425 Jul. 14, 2006 1:45 PM 400 Jul. 14, 2006 3:30 PM 300 Jul. 14, 2006 6:00 PM 350 Jul. 14, 2006 7:15 PM 750 Jul. 14, 2006 9:00 PM 825 Jul. 15, 2006 10:15 AM 375 Jul. 15, 2006 11:50 AM 475 Jul. 15, 2006 1:30 PM 500 Jul. 15, 2006 3:15 PM 525 Jul. 15, 2006 5:00 PM 250 Jul. 15, 2006 7:00 PM 400 Jul. 16, 2006 10:25 AM 175 Jul. 16, 2006 11:30 AM 375 Jul. 16, 2006 1:15 PM 500 Jul. 16, 2006 2:50 PM 150 Jul. 16, 2006 5:30 PM 350 Jul. 16, 2006 6:30 PM 625 Jul. 16, 2006 9:15 PM 875 Jul. 17, 2006 9:25 AM 625 Jul. 17, 2006 11:15 AM 375 Jul. 17, 2006 1:45 PM 475 Jul. 17, 2006 3:00 PM 250 Jul. 17, 2006 4:30 PM 150 Jul. 17, 2006 7:30 PM 300 Jul. 18, 2006 9:30 AM 375 Jul. 18, 2006 11:45 AM 625 Jul. 18, 2006 1:50 PM 525 Jul. 18, 2006 4:00 PM 675 Jul. 18, 2006 8:00 PM 625 Jul. 19, 2006 9:45 AM 750 Jul. 19, 2006 12:10 PM 625 Jul. 19, 2006 2:00 PM 650 Jul. 19, 2006 3:30 PM 425 Jul. 19, 2006 5:30 PM 350 Jul. 19, 2006 8:30 PM 750 Jul. 20, 2006 9:35 AM 750 Jul. 20, 2006 11:50 AM 850 Jul. 20, 2006 1:40 PM 725 Jul. 20, 2006 3:20 PM 550 Jul. 20, 2006 4:55 PM 375 Jul. 20, 2006 7:15 PM 375 Jul. 21, 2006 9:35 AM 875 Jul. 21, 2006 12:15 PM 625 Jul. 21, 2006 2:20 PM 500 Jul. 21, 2006 4:15 PM 950 Jul. 21, 2006 6:00 PM 625 Jul. 22, 2006 9:45 AM 475 Jul. 22, 2006 12:10 PM 275 Jul. 22, 2006 1:20 PM 400 Jul. 22, 2006 2:40 PM 375 Jul. 22, 2006 4:25 PM 300 Jul. 22, 2006 6:30 PM 1,500 Jul. 24, 2006 9:10 AM 1,125 Jul. 24, 2006 10:45 AM 750 Jul. 24, 2006 12:35 PM 650 Jul. 24, 2006 1:50 PM 350 Jul. 24, 2006 3:10 PM 775 Jul. 24, 2006 4:40 PM 625 Jul. 24, 2006 7:30 PM 625 Jul. 25, 2006 9:35 AM 875 Jul. 25, 2006 11:20 AM 500 Jul. 25, 2006 12:50 PM 875 Jul. 25, 2006 2:40 PM 675 Jul. 25, 2006 4:12 PM 1,000 Jul. 25, 2006 5:40 PM 625 Jul. 25, 2006 7:50 PM 1,125 Jul. 26, 2006 9:50 AM 750 Jul. 26, 2006 11:45 AM 875 Jul. 26, 2006 1:20 PM 750 Jul. 26, 2006 2:50 PM 325 Jul. 26, 2006 4:05 PM 550 Jul. 26, 2006 5:30 PM 550 Jul. 26, 2006 8:00 PM 675 Jul. 27, 2006 9:50 AM 1,000 Jul. 27, 2006 12:00 PM 750 Jul. 27, 2006 1:25 PM 950 Jul. 27, 2006 3:00 PM 1,000 Jul. 27, 2006 4:10 PM 575 Jul. 27, 2006 5:30 PM 875 Jul. 28, 2006 9:40 AM 975 Jul. 28, 2006 11:20 AM 750 Jul. 28, 2006 12:45 PM 750 Jul. 28, 2006 2:15 PM 900 Jul. 28, 2006 3:30 PM 625 Jul. 28, 2006 5:00 PM 675 Jul. 28, 2006 6:30 PM 875 Jul. 28, 2006 9:00 PM 1,150 Jul. 29, 2006 9:45 AM 875 Jul. 29, 2006 11:20 AM 850 Jul. 29, 2006 12:45 PM 750 Jul. 29, 2006 2:10 PM 875 Jul. 29, 2006 3:35 PM 625 Jul. 29, 2006 4:55 PM 850 Jul. 29, 2006 7:30 PM 1,000 Jul. 31, 2006 9:55 PM 1,000 Jul. 31, 2006 11:28 AM 875 Jul. 31, 2006 12:38 PM 750 Jul. 31, 2006 2:48 PM 750 Jul. 31, 2006 3:45 PM 750 Jul. 31, 2006 5:00 PM 1,000 Jul. 31, 2006 7:50 PM 750 Jul. 31, 2006 8:30 PM 1,125 Aug. 01, 2006 8:30 AM 1,125 Aug. 01, 2006 11:16 AM 875 Aug. 01, 2006 12:55 PM 875 Aug. 01, 2006 3:09 PM 875 Aug. 01, 2006 4:46 PM 750 Aug. 01, 2006 6:00 PM 500 Aug. 01, 2006 9:30 PM 1,000 Aug. 02, 2006 10:30 AM 750 Aug. 02, 2006 12:22 PM 375 Aug. 02, 2006 2:14 PM 625 Aug. 02, 2006 4:35 PM 2,000 Aug. 02, 2006 6:25 PM 700 Aug. 02, 2006 9:35 PM 1,000 Aug. 03, 2006 10:16 AM 750 Aug. 03, 2006 12:40 PM 750 Aug. 03, 2006 2:05 PM 750 Aug. 03, 2006 3:21 PM 875 Aug. 03, 2006 6:30 PM 1,000 Aug. 03, 2006 8:00 PM 1,150 Aug. 04, 2006 10:18 AM 625 Aug. 04, 2006 11:40 AM 875 Aug. 04, 2006 12:45 PM 250 Aug. 04, 2006 2:52 PM 875 Aug. 04, 2006 4:12 PM 875 Aug. 04, 2006 5:25 PM 750 Aug. 04, 2006 7:00 PM 650 Aug. 04, 2006 8:55 PM 1,250 Aug. 05, 2006 9:27 AM 875 Aug. 05, 2006 11:16 AM 1,000 Aug. 05, 2006 12:55 PM 875 Aug. 05, 2006 2:25 PM 750 Aug. 05, 2006 3:41 PM 875 Aug. 05, 2006 4:57 PM 750 Aug. 05, 2006 7:00 PM 1,000 Aug. 05, 2006 8:45 PM 1,000 Aug. 06, 2006 9:50 AM 900 Aug. 07, 2006 9:30 AM 1,125 Aug. 07, 2006 11:08 AM 1,125 Aug. 07, 2006 12:43 PM 875 Aug. 07, 2006 1:52 PM 875 Aug. 07, 2006 3:22 PM 875 Aug. 07, 2006 5:04 PM 750 Aug. 07, 2006 5:48 PM 875 Aug. 07, 2006 9:00 PM 1,000 Aug. 08, 2006 8:39 AM 875 Aug. 08, 2006 12:20 PM 550 Aug. 08, 2006 1:39 PM 875 Aug. 08, 2006 2:54 PM 750 Aug. 08, 2006 4:34 PM 625 Aug. 08, 2006 5:10 PM 875 Aug. 08, 2006 7:45 PM 875 Aug. 08, 2006 9:20 PM 500 Aug. 09, 2006 11:15 AM 715 Aug. 09, 2006 12:53 PM 875 Aug. 09, 2006 2:36 PM 875 Aug. 09, 2006 3:40 PM 875 Aug. 09, 2006 5:00 PM 800 Aug. 09, 2006 7:00 PM 500 Aug. 10, 2006 8:37 AM 800 Aug. 10, 2006 12:45 PM 250 Aug. 10, 2006 2:10 PM 1,125 Aug. 10, 2006 3:30 PM 625 Aug. 10, 2006 4:55 PM 500 Aug. 10, 2006 6:30 PM 875 Aug. 10, 2006 9:50 PM 1,375 Aug. 11, 2006 9:13 AM 1,000 Aug. 11, 2006 11:12 AM 1,000 Aug. 11, 2006 12:40 PM 1,000 Aug. 11, 2006 1:59 PM 875 Aug. 11, 2006 3:27 PM 765 Aug. 11, 2006 4:49 PM 550 Aug. 11, 2006 5:55 PM 1,125 Aug. 11, 2006 8:54 PM 1,125 Aug. 11, 2006 10:54 PM 1,050 Aug. 12, 2006 8:54 AM 1,125 Aug. 12, 2006 10:54 AM 1,050 Aug. 12, 2006 12:05 PM 1,050 Aug. 12, 2006 1:39 PM 1,050 Aug. 12, 2006 3:17 PM 875 Aug. 12, 2006 4:20 PM 875 Aug. 12, 2006 5:40 PM 875 Aug. 13, 2006 10:20 AM 1,220 Aug. 13, 2006 12:05 PM 750 Aug. 13, 2006 1:40 PM 1,000 Aug. 13, 2006 3:05 PM 875 Aug. 13, 2006 4:38 PM 875 Aug. 13, 2006 6:40 PM 675 Aug. 13, 2006 7:55 PM 1,125 Aug. 13, 2006 9:00 PM 375 Aug. 14, 2006 8:57 AM 1,250 Aug. 14, 2006 10:55 AM 1,000 Aug. 14, 2006 12:44 PM 1,050 Aug. 14, 2006 2:08 PM 750 Aug. 14, 2006 4:20 PM 625 Aug. 14, 2006 5:17 PM 750 Aug. 14, 2006 9:00 PM 375 Aug. 15, 2006 9:37 AM 1,000 Aug. 15, 2006 11:47 AM 1,375 Aug. 15, 2006 1:16 PM 1,000 Aug. 15, 2006 2:30 PM 1,125 Aug. 15, 2006 4:28 PM 500 Aug. 15, 2006 5:10 PM 1,125 Aug. 15, 2006 7:50 PM 875 Aug. 16, 2006 10:16 AM 875 Aug. 16, 2006 12:14 PM 625 Aug. 16, 2006 1:28 PM 875 Aug. 16, 2006 2:40 PM 650 Aug. 16, 2006 4:20 PM 750 Aug. 16, 2006 6:10 PM 675 Aug. 16, 2006 9:15 PM 1,280 Aug. 17, 2006 9:52 AM 750 Aug. 17, 2006 11:47 AM 625 Aug. 17, 2006 1:10 PM 880 Aug. 17, 2006 2:48 PM 780 Aug. 17, 2006 4:20 PM 750 Aug. 17, 2006 6:10 PM 500 Aug. 17, 2006 8:55 PM 1,000 Aug. 18, 2006 10:44 AM 780 Aug. 18, 2006 12:27 PM 760 Aug. 18, 2006 2:17 PM 750 Aug. 18, 2006 3:56 PM 750 Aug. 18, 2006 5:20 PM 760 Aug. 18, 2006 8:00 PM 875 Aug. 19, 2006 10:25 AM 780 Aug. 19, 2006 12:18 PM 780 Aug. 19, 2006 1:40 PM 625 Aug. 19, 2006 3:50 PM 625 Aug. 19, 2006 9:15 PM 680 Aug. 19, 2006 8:15 PM 875 Aug. 20, 2006 10:30 AM 750 Aug. 20, 2006 1:20 PM 625 Aug. 20, 2006 3:00 PM 625 Aug. 20, 2006 5:00 PM 375 Aug. 20, 2006 7:00 PM 700 Aug. 20, 2006 9:00 PM 1,125 Aug. 21, 2006 7:50 AM 1,280 Aug. 21, 2006 11:05 AM 590 Aug. 21, 2006 12:50 PM 760 Aug. 21, 2006 2:32 PM 630 Aug. 21, 2006 3:52 PM 540 Aug. 21, 2006 5:30 PM 500 Aug. 21, 2006 8:00 PM 750 Aug. 22, 2006 10:00 AM 1,000 Aug. 22, 2006 11:45 AM 500 Aug. 22, 2006 1:11 PM 760 Aug. 22, 2006 2:38 PM 500 Aug. 22, 2006 3:58 PM 680 Aug. 22, 2006 5:40 PM 500 Aug. 22, 2006 8:00 PM 1,050 Aug. 23, 2006 10:13 AM 875 Aug. 23, 2006 11:52 AM 625 Aug. 23, 2006 1:20 PM 875 Aug. 23, 2006 3:37 PM 790 Aug. 23, 2006 4:00 PM 625 Aug. 23, 2006 5:20 PM 500 Aug. 23, 2006 7:00 PM 750 Aug. 23, 2006 9:00 PM 1,625 Aug. 24, 2006 9:48 AM 690 Aug. 24, 2006 11:15 AM 750 Aug. 24, 2006 12:30 PM 1,000 Aug. 24, 2006 1:58 PM 875 Aug. 24, 2006 3:35 PM 625 Aug. 24, 2006 5:05 PM 650 Aug. 24, 2006 7:00 PM 500 Aug. 24, 2006 9:00 PM 1,050 Aug. 25, 2006 10:04 AM 1,500 Aug. 25, 2006 11:52 AM 1,000 Aug. 25, 2006 1:30 PM 890 Aug. 25, 2006 2:58 PM 500 Aug. 25, 2006 4:19 PM 750 Aug. 25, 2006 6:00 PM 800 Aug. 26, 2006 9:33 AM 1,125 Aug. 26, 2006 11:19 AM 750 Aug. 26, 2006 12:55 PM 780 Aug. 26, 2006 2:35 PM 390 Aug. 26, 2006 4:00 PM 790 Aug. 26, 2006 5:31 PM 530 Aug. 26, 2006 7:40 PM 1,125 Aug. 27, 2006 9:25 AM 1,375 Aug. 27, 2006 11:30 AM 875 Aug. 27, 2006 1:00 PM 390 Aug. 27, 2006 2:35 PM 750 Aug. 27, 2006 4:09 PM 750 Aug. 27, 2006 6:50 PM 625 Aug. 27, 2006 8:55 PM 1,625 Aug. 28, 2006 10:16 AM 790 Aug. 28, 2006 11:37 AM 790 Aug. 28, 2006 1:12 PM 875 Aug. 28, 2006 2:47 PM 750 Aug. 28, 2006 3:38 PM 875 Aug. 28, 2006 5:00 PM 750 Aug. 28, 2006 7:45 PM 750 Aug. 28, 2006 9:35 PM 1,375 Aug. 29, 2006 10:06 AM 790 Aug. 29, 2006 11:57 AM 750 Aug. 29, 2006 1:30 PM 640 Aug. 29, 2006 3:22 PM 625 Aug. 29, 2006 4:58 PM 625 Aug. 29, 2006 7:00 PM 750 Aug. 30, 2006 8:56 AM 790 Aug. 30, 2006 10:58 AM 750 Aug. 30, 2006 12:36 PM 530 Aug. 30, 2006 1:56 PM 750 Aug. 30, 2006 3:24 PM 750 Aug. 30, 2006 4:48 PM 680 Aug. 30, 2006 6:00 PM 750 Aug. 30, 2006 8:55 PM 1,000 Aug. 31, 2006 10:15 AM 1,000 Aug. 31, 2006 12:37 PM 750 Aug. 31, 2006 1:58 PM 500 Aug. 31, 2006 3:30 PM 625 Aug. 31, 2006 4:40 PM 630 Aug. 31, 2006 6:45 PM 875 Sep. 01, 2006 10:40 AM 750 Sep. 01, 2006 11:30 AM 500 Sep. 01, 2006 12:57 PM 625 Sep. 01, 2006 2:23 PM 625 Sep. 01, 2006 4:05 PM 550 Sep. 01, 2006 5:05 PM 520 Sep. 01, 2006 7:45 PM 750 Sep. 02, 2006 9:10 AM 875 Sep. 02, 2006 10:57 AM 750 Sep. 02, 2006 12:40 PM 750 Sep. 02, 2006 2:10 PM 750 Sep. 02, 2006 3:30 PM 500 Sep. 02, 2006 5:00 PM 750 Sep. 02, 2006 6:30 PM 625 Sep. 02, 2006 8:50 PM 1,375 Sep. 03, 2006 9:45 AM 1,500 Sep. 03, 2006 12:00 PM 625 Sep. 03, 2006 1:30 PM 790 Sep. 03, 2006 2:43 PM 750 Sep. 03, 2006 4:20 PM 875 Sep. 03, 2006 6:00 PM 650 Sep. 03, 2006 9:20 PM 2,000 Sep. 04, 2006 9:34 AM 1,000 Sep. 04, 2006 11:50 AM 750 Sep. 04, 2006 1:27 PM 640 Sep. 04, 2006 3:15 PM 625 Sep. 04, 2006 4:26 PM 795 Sep. 04, 2006 6:30 PM 800 Sep. 04, 2006 9:25 PM 1,250 Sep. 06, 2006 9:00 AM 1,000 Sep. 06, 2006 11:03 AM 1,000 Sep. 06, 2006 12:23 PM 1,090 Sep. 06, 2006 1:30 PM 875 Sep. 06, 2006 2:30 PM 750 Sep. 06, 2006 4:20 PM 625 Sep. 06, 2006 5:00 PM 875 Sep. 06, 2006 7:20 PM 1,375 Sep. 07, 2006 9:30 PM 1,300 Sep. 07, 2006 11:40 AM 1,375 Sep. 07, 2006 12:20 PM 875 Sep. 07, 2006 1:37 PM 875 Sep. 07, 2006 2:45 PM 625 Sep. 07, 2006 4:50 PM 625 Sep. 07, 2006 5:00 PM 625 Sep. 07, 2006 7:45 PM 1,500 Sep. 08, 2006 8:30 AM 1,900 Sep. 08, 2006 10:05 AM 1,125 Sep. 08, 2006 11:32 AM 1,000 Sep. 08, 2006 12:19 PM 1,000 Sep. 08, 2006 1:39 PM 750 Sep. 08, 2006 2:55 PM 1,000 Sep. 08, 2006 4:11 PM 875 Sep. 08, 2006 5:30 PM 1,000 Sep. 08, 2006 8:00 PM 1,250 Sep. 09, 2006 9:30 AM 1,125 Sep. 09, 2006 11:28 AM 1,000 Sep. 09, 2006 1:12 PM 1,125 Sep. 09, 2006 4:30 PM 900 Sep. 09, 2006 5:50 PM 875 Sep. 09, 2006 8:35 PM 1,375 Sep. 10, 2006 10:38 AM 500 Sep. 10, 2006 1:07 PM 530 Sep. 10, 2006 3:09 PM 250 Sep. 10, 2006 4:41 PM 375 Sep. 10, 2006 7:15 PM 500 Sep. 11, 2006 11:49 AM 400 Sep. 11, 2006 12:40 PM 750 Sep. 11, 2006 2:23 PM 375 Sep. 11, 2006 3:45 PM 500 Sep. 11, 2006 5:30 PM 250 Sep. 11, 2006 7:40 PM 875 Sep. 12, 2006 10:41 AM 375 Sep. 12, 2006 12:29 PM 500 Sep. 12, 2006 1:52 PM 500 Sep. 12, 2006 3:35 PM 1,375 Sep. 12, 2006 5:01 PM 375 Sep. 12, 2006 8:00 PM 625 Sep. 13, 2006 10:15 AM 250 Sep. 13, 2006 12:43 PM 375 Sep. 13, 2006 2:00 PM 375 Sep. 13, 2006 3:23 PM 390 Sep. 13, 2006 4:45 PM 390 Sep. 13, 2006 5:45 PM 625 Sep. 14, 2006 10:20 AM 375 Sep. 14, 2006 12:21 PM 390 Sep. 14, 2006 1:54 PM 375 Sep. 14, 2006 3:30 PM 375 Sep. 14, 2006 5:00 PM 250 Sep. 14, 2006 8:00 PM 625 Sep. 15, 2006 11:16 AM 875 Sep. 15, 2006 1:15 PM 625 Sep. 15, 2006 3:00 PM 590 Sep. 15, 2006 6:22 PM 350 Sep. 16, 2006 11:30 AM 780 Sep. 16, 2006 3:20 PM 100 Sep. 16, 2006 7:40 PM 375 Sep. 17, 2006 11:30 AM 200 Sep. 17, 2006 2:30 PM 375 Sep. 17, 2006 6:15 PM 125 Sep. 18, 2006 11:49 AM 375 Sep. 18, 2006 2:19 PM 250 Sep. 18, 2006 5:13 PM 125 Sep. 19, 2006 10:11 AM 375 Sep. 19, 2006 1:08 PM 250 Sep. 19, 2006 3:08 PM 375 Sep. 19, 2006 6:00 PM 375 Sep. 20, 2006 10:33 AM 500 Sep. 20, 2006 1:46 PM 390 Sep. 20, 2006 5:30 PM 75 Sep. 21, 2006 10:00 AM 375 Sep. 21, 2006 12:34 PM 100 Sep. 21, 2006 3:00 PM 375 Sep. 21, 2006 6:00 PM 125 Sep. 22, 2006 11:10 AM 375 Sep. 22, 2006 2:20 PM 375 Sep. 22, 2006 5:30 PM 375 Sep. 23, 2006 10:40 AM 1,000 Sep. 23, 2006 2:52 PM 500 Sep. 23, 2006 7:45 PM 625 Sep. 24, 2006 9:15 AM 1,700 Sep. 24, 2006 1:00 PM 650 Sep. 24, 2006 3:45 PM 625 Sep. 24, 2006 6:30 PM 375 Sep. 25, 2006 11:20 AM 125 Sep. 25, 2006 2:10 PM 100 Sep. 25, 2006 4:00 PM 150 Sep. 25, 2006 5:50 PM 625 Sep. 26, 2006 11:54 AM 500 Sep. 26, 2006 2:04 PM 500 Sep. 26, 2006 5:30 PM 450 Sep. 26, 2006 10:51 AM 375 Sep. 26, 2006 1:20 PM 380 Sep. 26, 2006 3:11 PM 500 Sep. 26, 2006 5:25 PM 425 Sep. 26, 2006 7:30 PM 1,100 Sep. 27, 2006 10:10 AM 500 Sep. 27, 2006 12:38 PM 250 Sep. 27, 2006 2:25 PM 375 Sep. 27, 2006 4:10 PM 375 Sep. 27, 2006 7:45 PM 375 Sep. 29, 2006 11:05 AM 250 Sep. 29, 2006 1:10 PM 375 Sep. 29, 2006 3:27 PM 250 Sep. 29, 2006 5:38 PM 375 Sep. 30, 2006 11:00 AM 300 Sep. 30, 2006 2:30 PM 500 Sep. 30, 2006 4:30 PM 625

As can be seen in Table 2, the volume of excess water draining from the plant container was measured during each irrigation event over a four-month growing period. During each irrigation event more water was applied than was needed to completely fill the plant container. The additional water applied to the plant container was needed to flush excess salts from the planting medium around the roots. When salts build up to unacceptable levels, as revealed through an analysis of the leach water through ion selective electrodes and/or electrical conductivity (EC) sensors, additional water is needed to flush out the harmful salts. For example, from Sep. 1, 2006 to Sep. 2, 2006 the excess water volume ranged from 520 ml to 875 ml, until the last irrigation event on the Sep. 2, 2006 which was a flush with a water volume of 1375 ml. This initial flush was followed by a stronger flush of 1500 ml of excess water during the first irrigation event on Sep. 3, 2006. Once the salt levels in the excess water from the plant container dropped to acceptable levels the amount of excess water applied dropped back down to normal levels.

Table 3 shows the total amount of water and nutrients consumed by the plant. This was calculated by taking the difference between the amount of water delivered to the plant and the amount of excess water from the bottom of the plant container. Table 3 shows that water consumption increased as the number of irrigation events increased over time. Table 3 also shows the dates and times of the various watering events. Column 1 of Table 3 shows the date, column 2 shows the total volume of water delivered from the irrigation line in milliliters, column 3 shows the volume of excess water drained from the plant container and column 4 shows the total volume of water consumed in milliliters.

TABLE 3 Total Volume of Total Volume of Total Volume Water from Excess Water of Water the Irrigation drained from the Consumed Date Line (ml) Plant Container (ml) (ml) May 25, 2006 2,500 1,250 1,250 May 25, 2006 2,500 1,000 1,500 May 26, 2006 2,375 1,000 1,375 May 26, 2006 2,255 1,000 1,255 May 26, 2006 1,375 750 625 May 27, 2006 2,500 1,250 1,250 May 27, 2006 2,625 1,400 825 May 28, 2006 2,250 1,400 850 May 28, 2006 2,375 875 1,500 May 28, 2006 1,750 875 875 May 29, 2006 2,200 950 1,300 May 29, 2006 2,500 1,500 1,000 May 29, 2006 1,375 625 750 May 30, 2006 2,050 1,250 800 May 30, 2006 2,500 1,000 1,500 May 30, 2006 2,250 875 1,375 May 31, 2006 2,150 875 1,275 May 31, 2006 3,000 1,500 1,500 Jun. 04, 2006 2,200 800 1,400 Jun. 04, 2006 2,875 1,500 1,375 Jun. 05, 2006 2,000 875 1,125 Jun. 05, 2006 3,000 1,500 1,500 Jun. 05, 2006 5,500 3,825 1,675 Jun. 06, 2006 2,875 1,900 975 Jun. 06, 2006 2,900 1,900 1,000 Jun. 06, 2006 2,850 1,500 1,350 Jun. 06, 2006 3,530 3,000 550 Jun. 07, 2006 2,250 1,125 1,125 Jun. 07, 2006 2,750 1,500 1,250 Jun. 07, 2006 2,900 1,375 1,525 Jun. 07, 2006 2,750 1,750 1,000 Jun. 08, 2006 2,000 1,125 875 Jun. 08, 2006 6,000 4,500 1,500 Jun. 08, 2006 2,700 1,750 950 Jun. 08, 2006 3,250 2,000 1,250 Jun. 09, 2006 2,100 1,250 850 Jun. 09, 2006 2,300 1,500 800 Jun. 09, 2006 2,000 875 1,125 Jun. 09, 2006 2,250 1,750 1,500 Jun. 10, 2006 2,875 2,750 125 Jun. 10, 2006 2,000 950 1,050 Jun. 10, 2006 2,875 1,500 1,375 Jun. 11, 2006 2,000 1,300 700 Jun. 11, 2006 3,500 1,750 1,750 Jun. 11, 2006 5,000 3,250 1,750 Jun. 11, 2006 2,750 2,000 750 Jun. 12, 2006 2,050 1,625 425 Jun. 12, 2006 2,400 1,875 525 Jun. 12, 2006 2,400 1,500 900 Jun. 12, 2006 2,375 1,500 875 Jun. 12, 2006 2,400 1,600 800 Jun. 13, 2006 2,150 1,125 1,025 Jun. 13, 2006 2,500 1,625 875 Jun. 13, 2006 2,375 1,500 875 Jun. 13, 2006 2,375 1,375 1,000 Jun. 14, 2006 2,000 950 1,050 Jun. 14, 2006 2,325 1,700 625 Jun. 14, 2006 2,200 1,500 700 Jun. 14, 2006 1,750 600 1,150 Jun. 15, 2006 2,200 625 1,575 Jun. 15, 2006 3,125 2,325 800 Jun. 15, 2006 2,375 1,500 875 Jun. 15, 2006 3,250 2,375 855 Jun. 16, 2006 2,200 875 1,325 Jun. 16, 2006 2,350 1,375 975 Jun. 16, 2006 2,150 1,250 900 Jun. 16, 2006 2,500 1,250 1,250 Jun. 16, 2006 2,500 1,500 1,000 Jun. 17, 2006 2,400 1,200 1,200 Jun. 17, 2006 2,500 1,550 950 Jun. 17, 2006 2,000 750 1,250 Jun. 17, 2006 2,400 1,000 1,400 Jun. 17, 2006 2,375 1,750 625 Jun. 18, 2006 2,325 1,500 825 Jun. 18, 2006 2,500 1,350 1,150 Jun. 18, 2006 2,500 1,375 1,125 Jun. 18, 2006 2,325 1,000 1,325 Jun. 18, 2006 2,500 625 875 Jun. 19, 2006 2,000 1,000 1,000 Jun. 19, 2006 2,300 1,375 1,825 Jun. 19, 2006 2,375 1,600 775 Jun. 19, 2006 2,300 1,375 925 Jun. 20, 2006 2,225 1,500 725 Jun. 20, 2006 2,075 1,250 825 Jun. 20, 2006 2,250 1,500 750 Jun. 20, 2006 2,150 1,250 900 Jun. 20, 2006 2,250 1,500 750 Jun. 21, 2006 2,275 1,625 875 Jun. 21, 2006 2,000 1,000 1,000 Jun. 21, 2006 1,550 1,100 450 Jun. 21, 2006 2,300 1,125 1,175 Jun. 21, 2006 2,000 1,250 750 Jun. 22, 2006 2,075 1,500 575 Jun. 22, 2006 2,050 1,275 775 Jun. 22, 2006 2,000 1,125 875 Jun. 22, 2006 2,150 1,300 850 Jun. 22, 2006 2,500 1,450 1,050 Jun. 23, 2006 2,350 1,500 850 Jun. 23, 2006 2,125 1,300 825 Jun. 23, 2006 2,000 1,300 700 Jun. 23, 2006 2,225 1,250 975 Jun. 23, 2006 2,050 1,050 1,000 Jun. 24, 2006 2,300 1,900 400 Jun. 24, 2006 2,275 1,500 775 Jun. 24, 2006 2,300 1,500 800 Jun. 24, 2006 1,900 1,250 650 Jun. 24, 2006 2,100 1,000 1,100 Jun. 25, 2006 2,375 1,900 475 Jun. 25, 2006 2,100 1,500 600 Jun. 25, 2006 2,225 1,375 850 Jun. 25, 2006 2,200 1,050 1,150 Jun. 25, 2006 2,075 1,225 850 Jun. 26, 2006 2,350 1,900 450 Jun. 26, 2006 2,375 2,000 375 Jun. 26, 2006 2,200 1,250 950 Jun. 26, 2006 2,300 1,500 800 Jun. 26, 2006 2,375 1,350 1,025 Jun. 27, 2006 1,775 1,600 175 Jun. 27, 2006 1,750 1,500 250 Jun. 27, 2006 1,750 500 1,250 Jun. 27, 2006 1,850 750 1,100 Jun. 27, 2006 1,550 525 1,025 Jun. 29, 2006 1,250 350 900 Jun. 29, 2006 1,175 450 725 Jun. 29, 2006 1,300 325 975 Jun. 29, 2006 1,250 175 1,075 Jun. 29, 2006 1,100 150 950 Jun. 30, 2006 1,250 400 850 Jun. 30, 2006 1,375 400 975 Jun. 30, 2006 1,125 175 950 Jun. 30, 2006 1,125 50 1,075 Jun. 30, 2006 1,500 250 1,250 Jun. 30, 2006 1,650 875 775 Jun. 30, 2006 1,625 1,100 525 Jul. 01, 2006 1,250 450 800 Jul. 01, 2006 1,050 300 750 Jul. 01, 2006 1,450 275 1,175 Jul. 01, 2006 1,250 175 1,075 Jul. 01, 2006 1,325 175 1,150 Jul. 01, 2006 1,300 400 900 Jul. 01, 2006 1,375 800 575 Jul. 02, 2006 1,375 175 1,200 Jul. 02, 2006 1,625 400 1,225 Jul. 02, 2006 1,500 250 1,225 Jul. 02, 2006 1,500 300 1,200 Jul. 02, 2006 1,625 500 1,125 Jul. 02, 2006 1,375 500 875 Jul. 02, 2006 1,250 625 625 Jul. 02, 2006 1,900 1,375 525 Jul. 03, 2006 1,250 400 850 Jul. 03, 2006 1,025 325 700 Jul. 03, 2006 1,250 175 1,075 Jul. 03, 2006 1,250 350 900 Jul. 03, 2006 1,350 350 1,000 Jul. 03, 2006 1,125 200 925 Jul. 03, 2006 1,350 975 375 Jul. 04, 2006 1,500 625 875 Jul. 04, 2006 1,300 625 675 Jul. 04, 2006 1,350 500 850 Jul. 04, 2006 1,375 500 875 Jul. 04, 2006 1,250 275 975 Jul. 04, 2006 1,250 725 1,025 Jul. 04, 2006 1,500 875 625 Jul. 04, 2006 1,375 1,350 25 Jul. 05, 2006 1,250 450 800 Jul. 05, 2006 1,050 350 700 Jul. 05, 2006 1,250 350 900 Jul. 05, 2006 1,375 375 1,000 Jul. 05, 2006 1,000 75 925 Jul. 05, 2006 1,600 450 1,150 Jul. 05, 2006 1,375 750 625 Jul. 05, 2006 1,900 1,375 525 Jul. 06, 2006 1,250 500 750 Jul. 06, 2006 1,225 450 775 Jul. 06, 2006 1,250 375 875 Jul. 06, 2006 1,325 300 1,025 Jul. 06, 2006 1,125 75 1,050 Jul. 06, 2006 1,375 500 875 Jul. 06, 2006 1,500 1,125 375 Jul. 07, 2006 1,250 475 775 Jul. 07, 2006 1,375 500 825 Jul. 07, 2006 1,125 300 825 Jul. 07, 2006 1,375 300 1,075 Jul. 07, 2006 1,125 350 775 Jul. 07, 2006 1,500 625 875 Jul. 07, 2006 1,375 625 750 Jul. 08, 2006 1,250 275 975 Jul. 08, 2006 1,125 125 1,000 Jul. 08, 2006 1,375 625 750 Jul. 08, 2006 1,000 375 625 Jul. 08, 2006 1,250 650 600 Jul. 08, 2006 1,250 625 625 Jul. 08, 2006 1,375 500 875 Jul. 08, 2006 1,250 400 725 Jul. 09, 2006 1,350 500 850 Jul. 09, 2006 1,250 625 625 Jul. 09, 2006 1,250 325 925 Jul. 09, 2006 1,250 500 750 Jul. 09, 2006 970 150 720 Jul. 09, 2006 1,370 450 920 Jul. 09, 2006 1,400 450 950 Jul. 09, 2006 1,375 875 525 Jul. 10, 2006 1,250 450 800 Jul. 10, 2006 1,375 500 875 Jul. 10, 2006 1,250 400 850 Jul. 10, 2006 1,125 150 975 Jul. 10, 2006 1,225 250 975 Jul. 10, 2006 2,000 875 1,125 Jul. 10, 2006 1,375 750 625 Jul. 10, 2006 1,100 500 600 Jul. 11, 2006 1,275 400 875 Jul. 11, 2006 1,250 375 875 Jul. 11, 2006 1,050 300 750 Jul. 11, 2006 1,275 300 975 Jul. 11, 2006 1,275 225 1,050 Jul. 11, 2006 1,375 350 1,025 Jul. 11, 2006 1,000 500 500 Jul. 12, 2006 1,375 500 875 Jul. 12, 2006 1,125 250 875 Jul. 12, 2006 1,125 250 875 Jul. 12, 2006 1,025 75 950 Jul. 12, 2006 1,375 400 975 Jul. 12, 2006 1,375 700 650 Jul. 12, 2006 1,375 1,000 375 Jul. 13, 2006 1,375 350 1,020 Jul. 13, 2006 1,000 100 900 Jul. 13, 2006 1,375 475 900 Jul. 13, 2006 1,225 150 1,075 Jul. 13, 2006 1,375 350 1,025 Jul. 13, 2006 1,375 875 500 Jul. 14, 2006 1,375 325 1,050 Jul. 14, 2006 1,450 425 1,025 Jul. 14, 2006 1,375 400 975 Jul. 14, 2006 1,275 300 975 Jul. 14, 2006 1,375 350 1,025 Jul. 14, 2006 1,400 750 650 Jul. 14, 2006 1,250 825 425 Jul. 15, 2006 1,375 375 1,000 Jul. 15, 2006 1,375 475 900 Jul. 15, 2006 1,400 500 900 Jul. 15, 2006 1,225 525 700 Jul. 15, 2006 1,250 250 1,000 Jul. 15, 2006 1,250 400 850 Jul. 16, 2006 1,000 175 825 Jul. 16, 2006 1,375 375 1,000 Jul. 16, 2006 1,375 500 875 Jul. 16, 2006 1,125 150 975 Jul. 16, 2006 1,375 350 1,025 Jul. 16, 2006 1,625 625 1,000 Jul. 16, 2006 1,350 875 475 Jul. 17, 2006 1,375 625 750 Jul. 17, 2006 1,375 375 1,000 Jul. 17, 2006 1,375 475 900 Jul. 17, 2006 1,250 250 1,000 Jul. 17, 2006 1,125 150 975 Jul. 17, 2006 1,125 300 825 Jul. 18, 2006 1,375 375 1,000 Jul. 18, 2006 1,625 625 1,000 Jul. 18, 2006 1,750 525 1,225 Jul. 18, 2006 1,625 675 950 Jul. 18, 2006 1,375 625 750 Jul. 19, 2006 1,700 750 950 Jul. 19, 2006 1,725 625 1,100 Jul. 19, 2006 1,650 650 1,000 Jul. 19, 2006 1,425 425 1,000 Jul. 19, 2006 1,375 350 1,000 Jul. 19, 2006 1,780 750 1,000 Jul. 20, 2006 1,725 750 975 Jul. 20, 2006 1,725 850 875 Jul. 20, 2006 1,750 725 1,025 Jul. 20, 2006 1,525 550 975 Jul. 20, 2006 1,300 375 925 Jul. 20, 2006 1,300 375 925 Jul. 21, 2006 1,900 875 1,025 Jul. 21, 2006 1,725 625 1,100 Jul. 21, 2006 1,750 500 1,250 Jul. 21, 2006 2,150 950 1,200 Jul. 21, 2006 1,250 625 625 Jul. 22, 2006 1,425 475 950 Jul. 22, 2006 1,375 275 1,100 Jul. 22, 2006 1,275 400 875 Jul. 22, 2006 1,250 375 875 Jul. 22, 2006 1,500 300 1,200 Jul. 22, 2006 2,200 1,500 700 Jul. 24, 2006 1,750 1,125 625 Jul. 24, 2006 1,500 750 750 Jul. 24, 2006 1,575 650 925 Jul. 24, 2006 1,375 350 1,025 Jul. 24, 2006 1,750 775 975 Jul. 24, 2006 1,625 625 1,000 Jul. 24, 2006 1,125 625 500 Jul. 25, 2006 1,750 875 875 Jul. 25, 2006 1,500 500 1,000 Jul. 25, 2006 1,750 875 875 Jul. 25, 2006 1,650 675 975 Jul. 25, 2006 2,100 1,000 1,100 Jul. 25, 2006 1,375 625 750 Jul. 25, 2006 1,750 1,125 625 Jul. 26, 2006 1,625 750 875 Jul. 26, 2006 1,750 875 875 Jul. 26, 2006 1,750 750 1,000 Jul. 26, 2006 1,375 325 1,050 Jul. 26, 2006 1,500 550 950 Jul. 26, 2006 1,500 550 950 Jul. 27, 2006 1,750 1,000 750 Jul. 27, 2006 1,750 750 1,000 Jul. 27, 2006 1,900 950 950 Jul. 27, 2006 1,750 1,000 750 Jul. 27, 2006 1,500 575 925 Jul. 27, 2006 1,750 875 875 Jul. 28, 2006 1,750 975 775 Jul. 28, 2006 1,625 750 875 Jul. 28, 2006 1,500 750 750 Jul. 28, 2006 1,850 900 950 Jul. 28, 2006 1,525 625 900 Jul. 28, 2006 1,750 875 875 Jul. 28, 2006 1,625 1,150 475 Jul. 29, 2006 1,750 875 875 Jul. 29, 2006 1,525 850 675 Jul. 29, 2006 1,525 750 775 Jul. 29, 2006 1,750 875 875 Jul. 29, 2006 1,375 625 750 Jul. 29, 2006 1,750 850 900 Jul. 29, 2006 1,750 1,000 750 Jul. 31, 2006 1,625 1,000 625 Jul. 31, 2006 1,600 875 725 Jul. 31, 2006 1,500 750 750 Jul. 31, 2006 1,750 750 1,000 Jul. 31, 2006 1,750 750 1,000 Jul. 31, 2006 1,750 1,000 750 Jul. 31, 2006 1,625 750 875 Jul. 31, 2006 1,625 1,125 500 Aug. 01, 2006 1,625 1,125 500 Aug. 01, 2006 1,750 875 875 Aug. 01, 2006 1,500 875 625 Aug. 01, 2006 1,750 875 875 Aug. 01, 2006 1,625 750 875 Aug. 01, 2006 1,375 500 875 Aug. 01, 2006 1,500 1,000 500 Aug. 02, 2006 1,500 750 750 Aug. 02, 2006 1,375 375 1,000 Aug. 02, 2006 1,625 625 1,000 Aug. 02, 2006 3,900 2,000 1,900 Aug. 02, 2006 1,300 700 600 Aug. 02, 2006 1,050 1,000 50 Aug. 03, 2006 1,625 750 875 Aug. 03, 2006 2,000 750 1,250 Aug. 03, 2006 1,625 750 875 Aug. 03, 2006 1,625 875 750 Aug. 03, 2006 1,025 1,000 625 Aug. 03, 2006 1,900 1,150 750 Aug. 04, 2006 1,625 625 1,000 Aug. 04, 2006 1,625 875 750 Aug. 04, 2006 875 250 625 Aug. 04, 2006 1,625 875 750 Aug. 04, 2006 1,625 875 750 Aug. 04, 2006 1,500 750 750 Aug. 04, 2006 1,150 650 500 Aug. 04, 2006 1,500 1,250 250 Aug. 05, 2006 1,625 875 750 Aug. 05, 2006 1,625 1,000 625 Aug. 05, 2006 1,625 875 750 Aug. 05, 2006 1,625 750 875 Aug. 05, 2006 1,625 875 750 Aug. 05, 2006 1,625 750 875 Aug. 05, 2006 2,000 1,000 1,000 Aug. 05, 2006 1,250 1,000 250 Aug. 06, 2006 1,625 900 725 Aug. 07, 2006 1,625 1,125 500 Aug. 07, 2006 1,625 1,125 500 Aug. 07, 2006 1,625 875 750 Aug. 07, 2006 1,375 875 500 Aug. 07, 2006 1,625 875 750 Aug. 07, 2006 1,500 750 750 Aug. 07, 2006 1,500 875 625 Aug. 07, 2006 1,500 1,000 500 Aug. 08, 2006 1,125 875 250 Aug. 08, 2006 1,500 550 950 Aug. 08, 2006 1,625 875 750 Aug. 08, 2006 1,500 750 750 Aug. 08, 2006 1,500 625 875 Aug. 08, 2006 1,625 875 750 Aug. 08, 2006 1,500 875 625 Aug. 09, 2006 1,750 715 975 Aug. 09, 2006 1,750 875 875 Aug. 09, 2006 1,750 875 875 Aug. 09, 2006 1,750 875 875 Aug. 09, 2006 1,750 800 950 Aug. 09, 2006 1,250 500 750 Aug. 10, 2006 1,125 800 325 Aug. 10, 2006 1,900 250 1,650 Aug. 10, 2006 1,750 1,125 625 Aug. 10, 2006 1,500 625 875 Aug. 10, 2006 1,375 500 900 Aug. 10, 2006 1,750 875 875 Aug. 10, 2006 1,500 1,375 125 Aug. 11, 2006 1,750 1,000 750 Aug. 11, 2006 1,750 1,000 750 Aug. 11, 2006 1,750 1,000 750 Aug. 11, 2006 1,750 875 875 Aug. 11, 2006 1,750 765 985 Aug. 11, 2006 1,500 550 950 Aug. 11, 2006 1,500 1,125 375 Aug. 11, 2006 1,750 1,125 625 Aug. 11, 2006 1,750 1,050 700 Aug. 12, 2006 1,750 1,125 625 Aug. 12, 2006 1,750 1,050 700 Aug. 12, 2006 1,900 1,050 850 Aug. 12, 2006 1,775 1,050 725 Aug. 12, 2006 1,625 875 750 Aug. 12, 2006 1,750 875 875 Aug. 12, 2006 1,750 875 875 Aug. 13, 2006 1,750 1,220 530 Aug. 13, 2006 1,625 750 875 Aug. 13, 2006 1,750 1,000 750 Aug. 13, 2006 1,750 875 875 Aug. 13, 2006 1,625 875 750 Aug. 13, 2006 1,750 675 1,075 Aug. 13, 2006 1,700 1,125 625 Aug. 13, 2006 1,375 375 1,000 Aug. 14, 2006 1,750 1,250 500 Aug. 14, 2006 1,750 1,000 750 Aug. 14, 2006 1,750 1,050 700 Aug. 14, 2006 1,625 750 875 Aug. 14, 2006 1,625 625 1,000 Aug. 14, 2006 1,625 750 875 Aug. 14, 2006 1,325 375 1,000 Aug. 15, 2006 1,750 1,000 750 Aug. 15, 2006 1,900 1,375 525 Aug. 15, 2006 1,750 1,000 750 Aug. 15, 2006 1,900 1,125 775 Aug. 15, 2006 1,750 500 1,250 Aug. 15, 2006 1,750 1,125 625 Aug. 15, 2006 1,900 875 875 Aug. 16, 2006 1,750 875 875 Aug. 16, 2006 1,500 625 875 Aug. 16, 2006 1,750 875 875 Aug. 16, 2006 1,625 650 975 Aug. 16, 2006 1,625 750 875 Aug. 16, 2006 1,750 675 1,075 Aug. 16, 2006 1,625 1,280 345 Aug. 17, 2006 1,500 750 750 Aug. 17, 2006 1,500 625 875 Aug. 17, 2006 1,750 880 870 Aug. 17, 2006 1,750 780 970 Aug. 17, 2006 1,750 750 1,000 Aug. 17, 2006 1,750 500 1,250 Aug. 17, 2006 1,825 1,000 825 Aug. 18, 2006 1,750 780 970 Aug. 18, 2006 1,750 760 990 Aug. 18, 2006 1,625 750 875 Aug. 18, 2006 1,625 750 875 Aug. 18, 2006 1,750 760 990 Aug. 18, 2006 1,900 875 975 Aug. 19, 2006 1,750 780 970 Aug. 19, 2006 1,750 780 970 Aug. 19, 2006 1,500 625 875 Aug. 19, 2006 1,590 625 965 Aug. 19, 2006 1,625 680 945 Aug. 19, 2006 1,600 875 725 Aug. 20, 2006 1,900 750 1,150 Aug. 20, 2006 1,750 625 1,125 Aug. 20, 2006 1,750 625 1,125 Aug. 20, 2006 1,750 375 1,375 Aug. 20, 2006 1,900 700 1,200 Aug. 20, 2006 1,500 1,125 375 Aug. 21, 2006 1,750 1,280 470 Aug. 21, 2006 1,590 590 1,000 Aug. 21, 2006 1,690 760 930 Aug. 21, 2006 1,750 630 1,110 Aug. 21, 2006 1,650 540 1,085 Aug. 21, 2006 1,625 500 1,125 Aug. 21, 2006 1,900 750 1,150 Aug. 22, 2006 1,900 1,000 900 Aug. 22, 2006 1,380 500 880 Aug. 22, 2006 1,750 760 990 Aug. 22, 2006 1,625 500 1,125 Aug. 22, 2006 1,625 680 945 Aug. 22, 2006 1,625 500 1,125 Aug. 22, 2006 1,900 1,050 850 Aug. 23, 2006 1,790 875 915 Aug. 23, 2006 1,625 625 1,000 Aug. 23, 2006 1,780 875 905 Aug. 23, 2006 1,770 790 980 Aug. 23, 2006 1,750 625 1,125 Aug. 23, 2006 1,500 500 1,000 Aug. 23, 2006 1,625 750 875 Aug. 23, 2006 1,900 1,625 275 Aug. 24, 2006 1,750 690 1,060 Aug. 24, 2006 1,625 750 875 Aug. 24, 2006 1,900 1,000 900 Aug. 24, 2006 1,790 875 915 Aug. 24, 2006 1,790 625 1,165 Aug. 24, 2006 1,900 650 1,275 Aug. 24, 2006 1,000 500 1,000 Aug. 24, 2006 1,250 1,050 200 Aug. 25, 2006 2,650 1,500 1,150 Aug. 25, 2006 1,900 1,000 900 Aug. 25, 2006 1,790 890 900 Aug. 25, 2006 1,500 500 1,000 Aug. 25, 2006 1,900 750 1,150 Aug. 25, 2006 1,900 800 1,100 Aug. 26, 2006 2,000 1,125 875 Aug. 26, 2006 1,625 750 875 Aug. 26, 2006 1,750 780 970 Aug. 26, 2006 1,290 390 900 Aug. 26, 2006 1,750 790 960 Aug. 26, 2006 1,390 530 860 Aug. 26, 2006 1,050 1,125 925 Aug. 27, 2006 2,300 1,375 925 Aug. 27, 2006 1,750 875 875 Aug. 27, 2006 1,290 390 900 Aug. 27, 2006 1,750 750 1,000 Aug. 27, 2006 1,750 750 1,060 Aug. 27, 2006 1,750 625 1,125 Aug. 27, 2006 220 1,625 445 Aug. 28, 2006 1,750 790 960 Aug. 28, 2006 1,890 790 990 Aug. 28, 2006 1,790 875 915 Aug. 28, 2006 1,750 750 1,000 Aug. 28, 2006 1,625 875 750 Aug. 28, 2006 1,900 750 1,150 Aug. 28, 2006 1,500 750 750 Aug. 28, 2006 1,750 1,375 375 Aug. 29, 2006 1,750 790 960 Aug. 29, 2006 1,625 750 875 Aug. 29, 2006 1,625 640 985 Aug. 29, 2006 1,690 625 1,065 Aug. 29, 2006 1,625 625 1,000 Aug. 29, 2006 1,625 750 900 Aug. 30, 2006 1,500 790 710 Aug. 30, 2006 1,500 750 750 Aug. 30, 2006 1,520 530 990 Aug. 30, 2006 1,500 750 750 Aug. 30, 2006 1,625 750 875 Aug. 30, 2006 1,500 680 820 Aug. 30, 2006 1,625 750 875 Aug. 30, 2006 1,625 1,000 625 Aug. 31, 2006 2,000 1,000 1,000 Aug. 31, 2006 1,500 750 750 Aug. 31, 2006 1,500 500 1,000 Aug. 31, 2006 1,625 625 1,000 Aug. 31, 2006 1,625 630 995 Aug. 31, 2006 2,050 875 1,175 Sep. 01, 2006 1,450 750 700 Sep. 01, 2006 1,500 500 1,000 Sep. 01, 2006 1,625 625 1,000 Sep. 01, 2006 1,500 625 875 Sep. 01, 2006 1,550 550 1,000 Sep. 01, 2006 1,500 520 980 Sep. 01, 2006 1,500 750 750 Sep. 02, 2006 1,500 875 625 Sep. 02, 2006 1,375 750 625 Sep. 02, 2006 1,625 750 875 Sep. 02, 2006 1,625 750 875 Sep. 02, 2006 1,500 500 1,000 Sep. 02, 2006 1,625 750 875 Sep. 02, 2006 1,500 625 875 Sep. 02, 2006 1,500 1,375 125 Sep. 03, 2006 1,625 1,500 625 Sep. 03, 2006 1,750 625 1,125 Sep. 03, 2006 1,690 790 900 Sep. 03, 2006 1,625 750 875 Sep. 03, 2006 1,750 875 875 Sep. 03, 2006 1,750 650 1,100 Sep. 03, 2006 2,625 2,000 625 Sep. 04, 2006 1,750 1,000 750 Sep. 04, 2006 1,750 750 1,000 Sep. 04, 2006 1,625 640 985 Sep. 04, 2006 1,625 625 1,000 Sep. 04, 2006 1,750 795 955 Sep. 04, 2006 1,625 800 825 Sep. 04, 2006 1,625 1,250 525 Sep. 06, 2006 1,750 1,000 750 Sep. 06, 2006 1,750 1,000 750 Sep. 06, 2006 1,900 1,090 810 Sep. 06, 2006 1,625 875 750 Sep. 06, 2006 1,500 750 750 Sep. 06, 2006 1,625 625 1,000 Sep. 06, 2006 1,750 875 875 Sep. 06, 2006 2,371 1,375 1,000 Sep. 07, 2006 2,000 1,300 700 Sep. 07, 2006 2,000 1,375 625 Sep. 07, 2006 1,750 875 875 Sep. 07, 2006 1,625 875 750 Sep. 07, 2006 1,375 625 750 Sep. 07, 2006 1,500 625 875 Sep. 07, 2006 1,500 625 875 Sep. 07, 2006 2,375 1,500 875 Sep. 08, 2006 2,375 1,900 475 Sep. 08, 2006 1,750 1,125 625 Sep. 08, 2006 1,500 1,000 500 Sep. 08, 2006 1,750 1,000 750 Sep. 08, 2006 1,500 750 750 Sep. 08, 2006 1,750 1,000 750 Sep. 08, 2006 1,750 875 875 Sep. 08, 2006 1,750 1,000 750 Sep. 08, 2006 1,625 1,250 425 Sep. 09, 2006 1,750 1,125 625 Sep. 09, 2006 1,625 1,000 625 Sep. 09, 2006 1,825 1,125 700 Sep. 09, 2006 1,625 900 725 Sep. 09, 2006 1,625 875 750 Sep. 09, 2006 1,600 1,375 225 Sep. 10, 2006 1,400 500 900 Sep. 10, 2006 1,400 530 870 Sep. 10, 2006 1,375 250 1,125 Sep. 10, 2006 1,250 375 875 Sep. 10, 2006 1,250 500 750 Sep. 11, 2006 1,375 400 975 Sep. 11, 2006 1,750 750 1,000 Sep. 11, 2006 1,250 375 875 Sep. 11, 2006 1,375 500 875 Sep. 11, 2006 1,300 250 1,050 Sep. 11, 2006 1,250 875 375 Sep. 12, 2006 1,500 375 1,125 Sep. 12, 2006 1,500 500 1,000 Sep. 12, 2006 1,375 500 875 Sep. 12, 2006 2,500 1,375 1,125 Sep. 12, 2006 1,275 375 900 Sep. 12, 2006 1,375 625 750 Sep. 13, 2006 1,375 250 1,125 Sep. 13, 2006 1,500 375 1,125 Sep. 13, 2006 1,375 375 1,000 Sep. 13, 2006 1,375 390 985 Sep. 13, 2006 1,290 390 900 Sep. 13, 2006 1,375 625 750 Sep. 14, 2006 1,500 375 1,125 Sep. 14, 2006 1,500 390 1,110 Sep. 14, 2006 1,500 375 1,125 Sep. 14, 2006 1,500 375 1,125 Sep. 14, 2006 1,375 250 1,125 Sep. 14, 2006 1,375 625 750 Sep. 15, 2006 1,900 875 1,025 Sep. 15, 2006 1,500 625 875 Sep. 15, 2006 1,500 590 910 Sep. 15, 2006 1,625 350 1,275 Sep. 16, 2006 1,750 780 970 Sep. 16, 2006 1,375 100 1,275 Sep. 16, 2006 1,750 375 1,375 Sep. 17, 2006 1,500 200 1,300 Sep. 17, 2006 1,375 375 1,000 Sep. 17, 2006 1,500 125 1,375 Sep. 18, 2006 1,750 375 1,375 Sep. 18, 2006 1,500 250 1,250 Sep. 18, 2006 1,500 125 1,375 Sep. 19, 2006 1,750 375 1,375 Sep. 19, 2006 1,700 250 1,500 Sep. 19, 2006 1,625 375 1,250 Sep. 19, 2006 1,900 375 1,525 Sep. 20, 2006 1,750 500 1,250 Sep. 20, 2006 1,625 390 1,250 Sep. 20, 2006 1,500 75 1,425 Sep. 21, 2006 1,750 375 1,375 Sep. 21, 2006 1,375 100 1,275 Sep. 21, 2006 1,750 375 1,375 Sep. 21, 2006 1,500 125 1,375 Sep. 22, 2006 1,750 375 1,375 Sep. 22, 2006 1,750 375 1,375 Sep. 22, 2006 1,750 375 1,375 Sep. 23, 2006 1,900 1,000 900 Sep. 23, 2006 2,250 500 1,750 Sep. 23, 2006 2,000 625 1,475 Sep. 24, 2006 2,500 1,700 800 Sep. 24, 2006 2,050 650 1,400 Sep. 24, 2006 2,250 625 1,625 Sep. 24, 2006 1,500 375 1,125 Sep. 25, 2006 1,250 125 1,125 Sep. 25, 2006 1,250 100 1,150 Sep. 25, 2006 1,550 150 1,400 Sep. 25, 2006 1,900 625 1,275 Sep. 26, 2006 1,625 500 1,125 Sep. 26, 2006 1,625 500 1,125 Sep. 26, 2006 1,750 450 1,300 Sep. 26, 2006 1,625 375 1,250 Sep. 26, 2006 1,625 380 1,245 Sep. 26, 2006 1,625 500 1,125 Sep. 26, 2006 1,600 425 1,175 Sep. 26, 2006 1,600 1,100 300 Sep. 27, 2006 1,250 500 750 Sep. 27, 2006 1,250 250 1,000 Sep. 27, 2006 1,375 375 1,000 Sep. 27, 2006 1,375 375 1,000 Sep. 27, 2006 1,250 375 875 Sep. 29, 2006 1,375 250 1,125 Sep. 29, 2006 1,375 375 1,000 Sep. 29, 2006 1,375 250 1,125 Sep. 29, 2006 1,250 375 875 Sep. 30, 2006 1,375 300 1,075 Sep. 30, 2006 1,625 500 1,125 Sep. 30, 2006 1,625 625 1,000

As can be seen in Table 3, the volume of water consumed was measured each day and from day to day over a four-month growing period. For example, on May 25, 2006 the volume of water sent to the plant from the first irrigation event was 2,500 ml and the excess water drained from the plant container was measured at 1,250 ml, therefore the total volume of water consumed was 1,250 ml. In another example, in the first irrigation event on Jul. 1, 2006, 1,250 ml of water was measured from the irrigation line with 450 ml of excess water being measured draining from the plant container, therefore the total volume of water consumed was 800 ml. An additional example from the first irrigation on Aug. 1, 2006 shows that 1,625 ml of water was measured from the irrigation line and 1,125 ml of water was measured draining from the plant container, therefore the total volume of water consumed was 500 ml.

Table 3 also shows that the total volume of water consumed by the plant varied throughout the growing season. For example from Jun. 4, 2006 to Jun. 8, 2006 the total volume of water consumed varied between 2,775 ml to 4,900 ml whereas from Jul. 1, 2006 to Jul. 5, 2006 the total volume of water consumed varied between 5925 ml to 8000 ml. Additionally, from Aug. 1, 2006 to Aug. 6, 2006 the total volume of water consumed varied between 5,125 ml to 5,375 ml, whereas from Sep. 1, 2006 to Sep. 4, 2006 the total volume of water consumed varied between 5,875 ml to 6,305 ml.

Next, the real-time measurement of the amount of water that was available to the plant was measured. To obtain the real-time measurement of water available to the plant, a scale (Rice Lake IQ 355 Digital Weight Indicator with a 4-20 mA analog output), as shown in FIG. 1, part 4, and FIG. 6, part 33 was placed under a plant container, FIG. 6, part 34. The scale provided the real-time mass of the water available to the plant by first weighing the container, the plant and water together. The weight was recorded just prior to the next watering event and served as a basis of comparison for subsequent readings. From that point forward, the sensor calculated weight readings of the water continuously available or uninterrupted, and not the plant container system.

Table 4 shows the overall mass of the plant and container as weighed over several hours. The changing weight of the plant and container system over time can be seen as a function of water being used by the plant and added during irrigation. Column 1 of Table 4 shows the date the weight of the plant container was taken, column 2 shows the weight of the plant and its container in kilograms.

TABLE 4 Weight of Plant and Container Time (Kg) 2/26/07 7:36 AM 46.04 2/26/07 7:43 AM 46.09 2/26/07 7:50 AM 46.05 2/26/07 7:57 AM 46.04 2/26/07 8:04 AM 46.06 2/26/07 8:11 AM 46.15 2/26/07 8:18 AM 46.2 2/26/07 8:25 AM 46.21 2/26/07 8:32 AM 46.15 2/26/07 8:39 AM 46.2 2/26/07 8:49 AM 46.09 2/26/07 8:56 AM 45.95 2/26/07 9:03 AM 45.91 2/26/07 9:10 AM 45.87 2/26/07 9:17 AM 45.7 2/26/07 9:24 AM 45.7 2/26/07 9:31 AM 45.75 2/26/07 9:38 AM 45.71 2/26/07 9:45 AM 45.65 2/26/07 9:52 AM 46.11 2/26/07 9:59 AM 46.66 2/26/07 10:06 AM 47.94 2/26/07 10:13 AM 48.49 2/26/07 10:20 AM 49.07 2/26/07 10:27 AM 48.86 2/26/07 10:34 AM 48.83 2/26/07 10:41 AM 48.78 2/26/07 10:48 AM 49.13 2/26/07 10:55 AM 49.03

As can be seen in both Table 4 and FIG. 8, the real time mass of the plant and container can be measured on a continuous basis. The changing weight of the plant as well as the increased weight of the plant and container system can be seen as a function of the water available to the plant roots in the container. For example the weight of the plant container system slowly dropped on the morning of Feb. 26, 2007 as water was taken up by the plant. However, when the declining mass reached a predetermined level, an irrigation event was initiated after the 9:45 AM measurement when approximately 3.5 kg of water was added to plant's container.

In order to accurately determine the amount of nutrients required by a plant, the amount of nutrients distributed in the irrigation water that were not taken up by the plant needed to be determined. To measure the nutrients another container, a collection container for receiving excess water from the plant container, was placed under a plant container, as can be seen in FIG. 7, part 35. The collection container, FIG. 1, part 5 under the plant container, FIG. 7, part 36 from the plant which allowed sensor, FIG. 7, part 37, to be placed in the collected water to measure the chemical content of the excess water. These sensors included 31 Series or 35 Series—sealed polycarbonate pH electrode, 02 Series—epoxy body conductivity electrode, or 35 Series—ion selective electrodes (Analytical Sensors and Instruments, LTD) which measure levels of ammonium, calcium, cupric, nitrate, nitrite, potassium, sulphide. Alternatively, the chemical content could also be determined through standard laboratory test procedures and entered into a computer manually.

Table 5 shows the data from chemical content sensors placed in the excess water from the plant container. Plants are extremely sensitive to both the pH and electroconductivity (EC) levels in the soil. Soil pH levels can easily be manipulated up or down by changing the acidic level of the irrigation water. Electroconductivity, however, is directly related to the amount of residual salts in the soil. The only way to remove the excess chemical content from the media in the container is to flush the soil with water. Consequently, high EC levels serve as the trigger to initiate subsequent leaching events. The date and time of the various irrigation events are also shown in table 5. Column 1 shows the date, column 2 shows the pH of the water measured from the irrigation line, column 3 shows the electroconductivity (EC) of the water measured from the irrigation line, column 4 shows the pH of the excess water drained from the plant container and column 5 shows the electroconductivity (EC) of the excess water drained from the plant container.

TABLE 5 pH of Excess pH of Water EC of Water Water from from from EC of Excess Irrigation Irrigation Plant Water from Date Line Line Container Plant Container May 25, 2006 6.2 1070 4.9 1350 May 25, 2006 6.2 1140 4.8 1460 May 26, 2006 6.4 1030 4.9 1390 May 26, 2006 6.4 1150 5.3 1340 May 26, 2006 6.4 1150 5.3 1410 May 27, 2006 6.4 1000 5.9 1320 May 27, 2006 6.4 1110 5.0 1460 May 28, 2006 6.4 1070 5.6 1460 May 28, 2006 6.4 1120 5.1 1570 May 28, 2006 6.4 1090 4.9 1660 May 29, 2006 6.4 1330 5.0 1360 May 29, 2006 6.4 1140 5.5 1660 May 29, 2006 6.4 1320 4.6 1680 May 30, 2006 6.4 1240 4.9 1690 May 30, 2006 5.9 1360 4.6 1800 May 30, 2006 6.3 1330 4.8 1840 May 31, 2006 6.4 1300 4.4 1680 May 31, 2006 6.5 1330 4.3 2100 Jun. 02, 2006 6.2 1380 4.4 2150 Jun. 04, 2006 6.7 1390 4.3 2275 Jun. 04, 2006 4.9 1470 4.1 2450 Jun. 04, 2006 6.5 1360 4.2 2510 Jun. 05, 2006 6.2 1510 4.3 2100 Jun. 05, 2006 6.7 1560 6.5 1470 Jun. 05, 2006 7.0 1200 4.7 1740 Jun. 06, 2006 7.1 1030 6.3 1930 Jun. 06, 2006 6.6 1480 6.4 1660 Jun. 06, 2006 6.9 1450 6.3 1660 Jun. 06, 2006 7.0 1340 5.9 1790 Jun. 07, 2006 6.9 1310 5.8 1980 Jun. 07, 2006 6.6 1480 6.0 1700 Jun. 07, 2006 6.6 1460 6.4 1720 Jun. 07, 2006 6.7 1240 6.1 1040 Jun. 08, 2006 6.8 1200 5.4 1730 Jun. 08, 2006 6.5 1440 5.5 1800 Jun. 08, 2006 6.5 1420 6.0 1700 Jun. 08, 2006 6.8 1360 5.6 1760 Jun. 09, 2006 6.8 1300 4.7 2040 Jun. 09, 2006 6.4 1550 4.7 1890 Jun. 09, 2006 6.3 1510 5.6 1410 Jun. 09, 2006 6.4 1390 4.8 1550 Jun. 10, 2006 6.6 1000 4.6 1950 Jun. 10, 2006 6.4 1400 4.5 1990 Jun. 10, 2006 6.5 1560 4.4 2080 Jun. 11, 2006 6.5 1570 4.9 2100 Jun. 11, 2006 6.1 1680 4.8 1550 Jun. 11, 2006 6.5 1710 5.1 1510 Jun. 11, 2006 6.4 1490 4.6 1590 Jun. 12, 2006 6.6 1070 4.5 1640 Jun. 12, 2006 6.8 1460 4.7 1610 Jun. 12, 2006 6.4 1170 4.6 1470 Jun. 12, 2006 7.1 1150 4.6 1510 Jun. 12, 2006 6.5 1140 4.3 1570 Jun. 13, 2006 6.3 1330 4.6 1650 Jun. 13, 2006 6.5 1380 4.7 1760 Jun. 13, 2006 6.6 1390 4.4 1710 Jun. 13, 2006 6.7 1310 4.2 1690 Jun. 14, 2006 6.6 1330 4.2 1720 Jun. 14, 2006 6.3 1430 4.4 1900 Jun. 14, 2006 6.4 1370 4.1 2280 Jun. 14, 2006 6.3 830 4.3 1920 Jun. 15, 2006 6.0 1430 4.3 2040 Jun. 15, 2006 6.4 1580 4.2 1900 Jun. 15, 2006 6.7 1520 4.4 1780 Jun. 15, 2006 6.9 1350 4.2 1710 Jun. 16, 2006 6.5 1240 4.1 1800 Jun. 16, 2006 6.5 1260 4.0 2000 Jun. 16, 2006 6.4 1510 4.4 1910 Jun. 16, 2006 7.0 1510 4.2 1660 Jun. 16, 2006 7.2 1180 4.2 1790 Jun. 17, 2006 6.9 1110 3.9 1960 Jun. 17, 2006 6.3 1400 4.1 1980 Jun. 17, 2006 6.4 1670 4.2 2000 Jun. 17, 2006 7.0 1600 4.2 1880 Jun. 17, 2006 6.4 1420 4.1 1830 Jun. 18, 2006 7.1 1280 4.3 1810 Jun. 18, 2006 7.2 1210 4.2 1850 Jun. 18, 2006 6.6 1200 4.4 1740 Jun. 18, 2006 6.4 1240 4.3 1820 Jun. 18, 2006 6.5 1210 4.2 1750 Jun. 19, 2006 6.4 1270 5.8 1810 Jun. 19, 2006 6.2 1460 5.0 1870 Jun. 19, 2006 6.7 1360 4.3 1870 Jun. 19, 2006 7.0 1440 4.4 1710 Jun. 19, 2006 6.4 1490 4.2 1790 Jun. 20, 2006 6.3 1430 4.9 1910 Jun. 20, 2006 6.2 1460 4.2 2080 Jun. 20, 2006 6.9 1400 4.1 2020 Jun. 20, 2006 6.8 1680 4.1 2040 Jun. 20, 2006 6.5 1640 4.2 2080 Jun. 21, 2006 7.1 1470 3.8 2200 Jun. 21, 2006 6.2 1610 3.7 2260 Jun. 21, 2006 6.9 1530 4.2 1950 Jun. 21, 2006 7.0 1260 4.2 1630 Jun. 21, 2006 7.2 1400 4.2 1630 Jun. 22, 2006 6.3 1120 4.0 1610 Jun. 22, 2006 6.6 1200 4.0 1700 Jun. 22, 2006 6.2 1130 4.1 1760 Jun. 22, 2006 6.3 1280 4.4 1470 Jun. 22, 2006 6.7 1300 4.0 1560 Jun. 23, 2006 6.5 1120 3.9 1590 Jun. 23, 2006 6.2 1200 3.9 1680 Jun. 23, 2006 6.3 1160 4.0 1770 Jun. 23, 2006 6.4 1300 4.2 1490 Jun. 23, 2006 6.3 1250 4.3 1340 Jun. 24, 2006 6.3 1000 4.0 1400 Jun. 24, 2006 6.1 1010 4.0 1410 Jun. 24, 2006 6.1 1050 3.8 1520 Jun. 24, 2006 6.0 1130 4.4 1300 Jun. 24, 2006 6.1 1050 4.1 1230 Jun. 25, 2006 6.5 900 4.4 1170 Jun. 25, 2006 6.0 920 3.9 1250 Jun. 25, 2006 6.2 990 4.0 1300 Jun. 25, 2006 6.1 970 4.4 1010 Jun. 25, 2006 6.4 890 4.5 990 Jun. 26, 2006 6.4 1010 4.5 1130 Jun. 26, 2006 6.4 1000 3.9 1240 Jun. 26, 2006 6.3 1060 4.2 1250 Jun. 26, 2006 6.4 990 4.9 1140 Jun. 26, 2006 6.2 900 5.2 1020 Jun. 27, 2006 6.8 740 4.4 1160 Jun. 27, 2006 6.5 770 4.2 1260 Jun. 27, 2006 6.4 990 4.4 1360 Jun. 27, 2006 6.7 960 5.1 1460 Jun. 27, 2006 6.4 1120 4.9 1510 Jun. 29, 2006 6.4 880 4.2 1670 Jun. 29, 2006 6.8 1110 4.4 1830 Jun. 29, 2006 6.2 1020 4.4 1920 Jun. 29, 2006 6.9 1040 5.0 1250 Jun. 29, 2006 7.0 1000 4.7 1360 Jun. 30, 2006 6.3 1060 4.5 1500 Jun. 30, 2006 6.3 1080 4.9 1870 Jun. 30, 2006 6.0 990 5.0 1860 Jun. 30, 2006 6.7 1000 4.2 1830 Jun. 30, 2006 7.1 1040 4.3 1670 Jun. 30, 2006 7.1 1030 5.0 1370 Jun. 30, 2006 6.8 900 4.5 1470 Jul. 01, 2006 6.3 940 5.0 1370 Jul. 01, 2006 6.6 1100 4.5 1470 Jul. 01, 2006 6.0 1030 4.7 1520 Jul. 01, 2006 6.6 1120 4.6 1720 Jul. 01, 2006 7.1 950 4.9 1670 Jul. 01, 2006 7.1 940 4.4 1760 Jul. 01, 2006 6.6 870 4.5 1690 Jul. 02, 2006 6.3 930 5.0 1520 Jul. 02, 2006 6.3 930 4.1 1520 Jul. 02, 2006 6.4 870 4.2 1440 Jul. 02, 2006 6.5 770 4.9 1490 Jul. 02, 2006 7.1 830 5.0 1360 Jul. 02, 2006 6.8 960 4.5 1470 Jul. 02, 2006 6.5 920 5.0 1460 Jul. 02, 2006 6.5 910 4.9 1520 Jul. 03, 2006 6.4 950 5.4 1220 Jul. 03, 2006 7.1 1060 5.4 1450 Jul. 03, 2006 6.9 880 4.9 1530 Jul. 03, 2006 6.9 1020 4.9 1590 Jul. 03, 2006 6.8 900 5.0 1660 Jul. 03, 2006 7.2 940 6.8 1750 Jul. 03, 2006 6.3 940 5.0 1770 Jul. 04, 2006 6.1 910 5.0 1380 Jul. 04, 2006 6.1 950 4.6 1400 Jul. 04, 2006 6.4 800 4.5 1340 Jul. 04, 2006 7.1 910 7.0 1470 Jul. 04, 2006 6.5 970 6.0 1430 Jul. 04, 2006 6.6 920 4.8 1700 Jul. 04, 2006 6.6 1040 5.0 1680 Jul. 04, 2006 6.4 1020 5.0 1530 Jul. 05, 2006 7.1 930 5.5 1230 Jul. 05, 2006 7.1 1150 5.4 1410 Jul. 05, 2006 6.9 960 5.0 1420 Jul. 05, 2006 6.9 1040 4.8 1560 Jul. 05, 2006 7.0 990 4.7 1860 Jul. 05, 2006 6.7 1040 4.5 1470 Jul. 05, 2006 6.7 810 5.0 1630 Jul. 05, 2006 6.1 850 4.7 1560 Jul. 06, 2006 7.0 830 5.5 1150 Jul. 06, 2006 7.1 1100 5.5 1280 Jul. 06, 2006 6.8 1020 5.1 1350 Jul. 06, 2006 6.8 1030 4.6 1500 Jul. 06, 2006 7.1 1000 4.9 1840 Jul. 06, 2006 7.0 1000 5.1 1640 Jul. 06, 2006 6.7 900 5.3 1490 Jul. 07, 2006 6.9 1280 5.5 1240 Jul. 07, 2006 7.1 1110 5.8 1420 Jul. 07, 2006 6.8 930 5.1 1580 Jul. 07, 2006 6.9 970 4.8 1620 Jul. 07, 2006 6.7 1220 4.6 1000 Jul. 07, 2006 6.7 1000 4.5 1640 Jul. 07, 2006 6.6 1010 5.3 1500 Jul. 08, 2006 6.7 930 5.3 1510 Jul. 08, 2006 6.9 1060 5.0 1760 Jul. 08, 2006 6.9 860 5.4 1520 Jul. 08, 2006 6.9 1070 5.2 1520 Jul. 08, 2006 7.1 990 5.0 1560 Jul. 08, 2006 7.0 990 4.9 1590 Jul. 08, 2006 7.2 990 5.2 1560 Jul. 08, 2006 6.8 1060 4.8 1630 Jul. 09, 2006 6.9 920 5.6 1360 Jul. 09, 2006 6.9 990 5.6 1430 Jul. 09, 2006 6.9 1020 5.4 1440 Jul. 09, 2006 6.9 1080 4.8 1520 Jul. 09, 2006 7.0 1125 4.7 1720 Jul. 09, 2006 6.3 1150 4.1 1800 Jul. 09, 2006 6.9 1000 4.8 1820 Jul. 09, 2006 6.3 1000 5.0 1830 Jul. 10, 2006 6.6 960 4.9 1500 Jul. 10, 2006 6.7 1120 4.8 1610 Jul. 10, 2006 6.6 1130 4.8 1670 Jul. 10, 2006 6.7 1140 4.6 1840 Jul. 10, 2006 6.6 1090 4.4 2020 Jul. 10, 2006 6.4 1250 4.3 2000 Jul. 10, 2006 6.2 920 4.2 2020 Jul. 10, 2006 6.5 900 5.6 1790 Jul. 11, 2006 6.6 1040 5.1 1640 Jul. 11, 2006 6.6 1120 5.1 1730 Jul. 11, 2006 6.7 1020 4.6 1760 Jul. 11, 2006 6.8 990 4.6 1790 Jul. 11, 2006 6.8 1030 4.4 1950 Jul. 11, 2006 6.6 970 4.3 2020 Jul. 11, 2006 6.8 540 4.9 1850 Jul. 12, 2006 6.8 640 5.1 1430 Jul. 12, 2006 6.7 720 5.6 1340 Jul. 12, 2006 6.8 1000 5.1 1300 Jul. 12, 2006 6.8 900 4.6 1580 Jul. 12, 2006 6.9 1140 4.3 1660 Jul. 12, 2006 6.3 1150 4.6 1650 Jul. 12, 2006 6.9 830 5.1 1680 Jul. 13, 2006 6.6 930 5.0 1460 Jul. 13, 2006 6.6 950 5.1 1480 Jul. 13, 2006 6.7 610 4.8 1500 Jul. 13, 2006 6.9 1730 5.1 1670 Jul. 13, 2006 6.2 1150 4.4 1620 Jul. 13, 2006 6.2 1180 4.9 1680 Jul. 14, 2006 6.8 1090 5.3 1620 Jul. 14, 2006 6.7 1080 5.4 1660 Jul. 14, 2006 6.6 950 5.0 1710 Jul. 14, 2006 6.9 1180 4.7 1920 Jul. 14, 2006 6.4 1150 4.6 2020 Jul. 14, 2006 6.3 1180 4.6 1930 Jul. 14, 2006 7.1 1270 5.4 1050 Jul. 15, 2006 6.7 960 4.9 1800 Jul. 15, 2006 6.8 890 5.2 1810 Jul. 15, 2006 6.7 950 4.8 1730 Jul. 15, 2006 6.7 1030 6.7 1960 Jul. 15, 2006 6.9 1050 5.9 1790 Jul. 15, 2006 6.5 1070 4.5 2020 Jul. 16, 2006 6.8 840 5.5 1740 Jul. 16, 2006 6.7 1020 5.1 1590 Jul. 16, 2006 6.7 960 5.2 1660 Jul. 16, 2006 6.8 1040 4.9 1850 Jul. 16, 2006 6.7 1040 4.1 2100 Jul. 16, 2006 6.4 1040 4.6 1950 Jul. 16, 2006 7.1 920 5.0 1030 Jul. 17, 2006 6.7 820 5.0 1690 Jul. 17, 2006 6.7 1000 5.3 1500 Jul. 17, 2006 6.7 940 5.0 1740 Jul. 17, 2006 6.7 1060 4.7 1730 Jul. 17, 2006 6.7 1220 5.2 1830 Jul. 17, 2006 6.5 990 5.0 2300 Jul. 18, 2006 6.6 840 4.8 1930 Jul. 18, 2006 6.6 950 4.8 1890 Jul. 18, 2006 6.7 910 4.4 1870 Jul. 18, 2006 6.6 960 4.6 1860 Jul. 18, 2006 6.4 900 4.6 1840 Jul. 19, 2006 6.6 880 4.6 1800 Jul. 19, 2006 6.7 920 4.5 1680 Jul. 19, 2006 6.7 920 4.5 1690 Jul. 19, 2006 6.8 1010 4.7 1640 Jul. 19, 2006 6.5 1090 4.4 1950 Jul. 19, 2006 6.2 790 4.8 1980 Jul. 20, 2006 6.7 910 4.6 1810 Jul. 20, 2006 6.9 1010 4.6 1750 Jul. 20, 2006 6.8 830 4.5 1640 Jul. 20, 2006 6.9 1000 4.2 1690 Jul. 20, 2006 6.8 1130 4.5 1700 Jul. 20, 2006 6.8 950 4.9 1910 Jul. 21, 2006 6.7 890 4.6 1920 Jul. 21, 2006 6.6 970 4.3 1780 Jul. 21, 2006 6.7 960 4.2 1980 Jul. 21, 2006 6.8 960 4.2 2080 Jul. 21, 2006 6.9 1110 5.5 2000 Jul. 22, 2006 6.7 1010 4.7 1850 Jul. 22, 2006 6.8 1000 5.0 1790 Jul. 22, 2006 6.9 940 4.2 1850 Jul. 22, 2006 6.9 1090 4.4 1920 Jul. 22, 2006 6.8 1220 4.1 1040 Jul. 22, 2006 6.8 1200 5.9 2060 Jul. 24, 2006 6.9 870 4.8 1580 Jul. 24, 2006 6.8 1080 5.3 1550 Jul. 24, 2006 7.0 950 5.0 1550 Jul. 24, 2006 7.0 1130 4.5 1640 Jul. 24, 2006 6.9 1040 4.4 1830 Jul. 24, 2006 6.9 1010 4.3 1590 Jul. 24, 2006 7.0 1100 6.9 1830 Jul. 25, 2006 6.8 1040 4.7 1640 Jul. 25, 2006 6.9 1110 4.6 1640 Jul. 25, 2006 6.6 1010 4.2 1770 Jul. 25, 2006 6.7 1050 4.2 1850 Jul. 25, 2006 6.9 1100 4.1 1890 Jul. 25, 2006 6.8 1180 4.6 1950 Jul. 25, 2006 6.3 1030 4.5 1940 Jul. 26, 2006 6.9 980 5.6 1590 Jul. 26, 2006 6.8 870 4.4 1640 Jul. 26, 2006 6.7 930 4.3 1600 Jul. 26, 2006 6.7 1000 4.5 1680 Jul. 26, 2006 6.8 940 4.4 1790 Jul. 26, 2006 6.8 920 5.3 1790 Jul. 26, 2006 6.8 930 5.9 1100 Jul. 27, 2006 6.9 840 4.9 1430 Jul. 27, 2006 7.0 890 4.5 1420 Jul. 27, 2006 6.8 920 4.4 1420 Jul. 27, 2006 6.8 970 4.3 1480 Jul. 27, 2006 6.8 980 4.2 1520 Jul. 27, 2006 6.8 910 4.8 1530 Jul. 28, 2006 6.9 870 4.8 1400 Jul. 28, 2006 6.9 970 4.9 1330 Jul. 28, 2006 6.7 1070 4.4 1410 Jul. 28, 2006 7.0 880 4.2 1510 Jul. 28, 2006 6.9 1010 4.6 1530 Jul. 28, 2006 6.3 930 4.4 1620 Jul. 28, 2006 6.3 650 5.1 1430 Jul. 29, 2006 6.8 910 5.0 1220 Jul. 29, 2006 7.0 980 4.7 1270 Jul. 29, 2006 6.8 980 4.3 1340 Jul. 29, 2006 6.9 920 4.7 1410 Jul. 29, 2006 6.8 1010 4.3 1470 Jul. 29, 2006 6.8 910 4.8 1500 Jul. 29, 2006 6.3 760 5.7 1530 Jul. 31, 2006 6.3 760 5.5 1060 Jul. 31, 2006 6.3 760 4.4 1100 Jul. 31, 2006 6.0 1040 4.3 1050 Jul. 31, 2006 6.1 1020 5.6 1170 Jul. 31, 2006 6.4 1100 5.1 1390 Jul. 31, 2006 6.0 1070 4.5 1420 Jul. 31, 2006 6.3 1130 4.8 1490 Jul. 31, 2006 6.1 1160 5.0 1440 Aug. 01, 2006 6.1 1060 4.4 1450 Aug. 01, 2006 6.2 1020 4.5 1470 Aug. 01, 2006 6.2 1070 4.3 1500 Aug. 01, 2006 6.2 970 4.3 1570 Aug. 01, 2006 6.5 1050 4.3 1510 Aug. 01, 2006 5.8 1150 4.2 1670 Aug. 01, 2006 5.9 1010 4.5 1640 Aug. 02, 2006 6.1 970 4.7 1620 Aug. 02, 2006 6.2 1110 4.4 1530 Aug. 02, 2006 6.1 1000 4.5 1660 Aug. 02, 2006 6.0 1160 4.9 1740 Aug. 02, 2006 6.6 1090 4.9 1600 Aug. 02, 2006 6.5 1010 4.9 1710 Aug. 03, 2006 6.4 1100 6.2 1390 Aug. 03, 2006 6.3 1090 4.5 1640 Aug. 03, 2006 6.2 1140 4.6 1700 Aug. 03, 2006 6.4 1100 4.2 1540 Aug. 03, 2006 6.1 1150 4.8 1810 Aug. 03, 2006 6.1 1020 5.0 1090 Aug. 04, 2006 6.4 1040 4.8 1820 Aug. 04, 2006 6.2 1130 4.7 1610 Aug. 04, 2006 6.4 1170 4.5 1660 Aug. 04, 2006 6.4 1070 4.6 1870 Aug. 04, 2006 6.2 1100 4.4 1530 Aug. 04, 2006 6.1 1170 4.6 1690 Aug. 04, 2006 5.8 1350 4.1 1760 Aug. 04, 2006 6.8 1030 4.6 1790 Aug. 05, 2006 6.3 1050 4.4 1570 Aug. 05, 2006 6.3 1090 4.5. 1570 Aug. 05, 2006 5.8 1100 3.8 1570 Aug. 05, 2006 6.2 990 4.1 1620 Aug. 05, 2006 5.9 1130 3.6 1720 Aug. 05, 2006 6.0 1110 4.6 1790 Aug. 05, 2006 6.0 1080 4.1 1760 Aug. 06, 2006 6.6 1160 4.8 1560 Aug. 07, 2006 6.4 1040 4.6 1640 Aug. 07, 2006 6.1 1140 4.0 1600 Aug. 07, 2006 6.2 1130 4.0 1560 Aug. 07, 2006 6.1 1170 4.5 1540 Aug. 07, 2006 6.2 1210 4.4 1650 Aug. 07, 2006 6.4 1190 4.8 1730 Aug. 07, 2006 6.6 1230 4.6 1740 Aug. 07, 2006 6.0 1090 4.5 1730 Aug. 08, 2006 6.5 1110 5.4 1630 Aug. 08, 2006 6.2 1050 4.4 1470 Aug. 08, 2006 6.2 1050 4.4 1490 Aug. 08, 2006 6.3 1070 4.5 1420 Aug. 08, 2006 6.3 1060 4.8 1620 Aug. 08, 2006 6.3 1100 4.7 1610 Aug. 08, 2006 6.3 1000 4.8 1580 Aug. 08, 2006 6.3 1060 4.5 1550 Aug. 09, 2006 6.4 1000 4.7 1400 Aug. 09, 2006 6.1 990 4.4 1320 Aug. 09, 2006 6.3 970 4.4 1420 Aug. 09, 2006 6.5 970 4.4 1430 Aug. 09, 2006 6.0 1070 4.5 1450 Aug. 09, 2006 6.2 1160 4.5 1530 Aug. 10, 2006 6.3 1050 5.0 1330 Aug. 10, 2006 6.4 980 4.1 1610 Aug. 10, 2006 6.3 960 5.2 1970 Aug. 10, 2006 6.4 960 4.9 1880 Aug. 10, 2006 6.4 950 4.6 1870 Aug. 10, 2006 6.4 950 5.1 1930 Aug. 10, 2006 6.2 900 4.8 1950 Aug. 11, 2006 6.1 860 5.0 1510 Aug. 11, 2006 6.4 910 5.2 1470 Aug. 11, 2006 6.0 910 4.2 1500 Aug. 11, 2006 5.9 920 4.3 1520 Aug. 11, 2006 6.1 870 4.5 1580 Aug. 11, 2006 6.5 950 4.5 1560 Aug. 11, 2006 6.1 860 4.2 1680 Aug. 11, 2006 5.5 870 4.3 1360 Aug. 11, 2006 5.9 890 4.9 1320 Aug. 12, 2006 5.5 870 4.9 1360 Aug. 12, 2006 5.9 890 4.9 1320 Aug. 12, 2006 6.2 930 4.6 1320 Aug. 12, 2006 6.3 870 4.6 1390 Aug. 12, 2006 6.4 930 4.4 1410 Aug. 12, 2006 6.4 920 4.6 1470 Aug. 12, 2006 6.3 940 4.4 1480 Aug. 13, 2006 6.3 790 5.0 1120 Aug. 13, 2006 6.1 970 4.9 1170 Aug. 13, 2006 6.4 1000 4.5 1340 Aug. 13, 2006 6.4 900 4.9 1390 Aug. 13, 2006 6.9 900 4.8 1450 Aug. 13, 2006 6.0 940 4.4 1360 Aug. 13, 2006 6.8 810 5.8 1410 Aug. 13, 2006 5.9 940 4.2 1310 Aug. 14, 2006 6.8 900 5.7 1080 Aug. 14, 2006 6.5 890 4.9 1110 Aug. 14, 2006 6.4 920 4.9 1180 Aug. 14, 2006 6.1 900 4.3 1230 Aug. 14, 2006 6.0 850 4.4 1330 Aug. 14, 2006 6.1 940 4.5 1370 Aug. 14, 2006 5.9 940 4.5 1370 Aug. 15, 2006 6.3 850 5.0 1310 Aug. 15, 2006 6.4 930 4.7 1270 Aug. 15, 2006 4.9 880 3.0 1280 Aug. 15, 2006 5.4 890 3.4 1270 Aug. 15, 2006 5.9 940 3.7 1280 Aug. 15, 2006 6.1 950 4.3 1380 Aug. 15, 2006 6.3 810 4.3 1370 Aug. 16, 2006 6.5 770 5.1 1100 Aug. 16, 2006 6.4 990 5.4 1130 Aug. 16, 2006 6.4 970 4.8 1190 Aug. 16, 2006 6.6 880 4.7 1310 Aug. 16, 2006 6.0 1010 4.1 1420 Aug. 16, 2006 6.4 810 4.7 1450 Aug. 16, 2006 6.4 800 5.0 1490 Aug. 17, 2006 6.4 880 5.0 1150 Aug. 17, 2006 6.4 900 4.9 1130 Aug. 17, 2006 6.2 870 4.5 1140 Aug. 17, 2006 6.7 790 4.5 1050 Aug. 17, 2006 6.7 910 5.0 1250 Aug. 17, 2006 6.7 820 5.1 1240 Aug. 17, 2006 6.6 950 5.3 1380 Aug. 18, 2006 6.5 780 5.3 1160 Aug. 18, 2006 6.5 940 5.1 1140 Aug. 18, 2006 6.1 850 4.6 1220 Aug. 18, 2006 6.2 810 4.0 1330 Aug. 18, 2006 6.3 400 4.7 1360 Aug. 18, 2006 6.4 650 6.4 1370 Aug. 19, 2006 6.4 880 4.9 1260 Aug. 19, 2006 6.5 940 5.1 1260 Aug. 19, 2006 6.1 950 4.1 1220 Aug. 19, 2006 6.3 950 4.4 1420 Aug. 19, 2006 6.4 960 4.6 1440 Aug. 19, 2006 6.6 770 4.8 1580 Aug. 20, 2006 6.4 800 3.4 1470 Aug. 20, 2006 6.2 960 4.5 1340 Aug. 20, 2006 6.3 1350 4.5 1470 Aug. 20, 2006 6.4 1190 4.3 1690 Aug. 20, 2006 6.5 990 4.2 1920 Aug. 20, 2006 6.5 980 5.4 1910 Aug. 21, 2006 6.5 830 5.8 1610 Aug. 21, 2006 6.5 960 4.8 1290 Aug. 21, 2006 6.6 1010 4.8 1380 Aug. 21, 2006 6.1 820 3.6 1240 Aug. 21, 2006 6.3 830 4.3 1390 Aug. 21, 2006 6.3 910 4.1 1360 Aug. 21, 2006 6.1 810 4.2 1520 Aug. 22, 2006 5.8 790 4.2 1520 Aug. 22, 2006 6.0 970 4.7 1310 Aug. 22, 2006 5.8 980 3.9 1370 Aug. 22, 2006 6.2 920 4.0 1400 Aug. 22, 2006 6.0 1020 3.9 1650 Aug. 22, 2006 6.1 940 3.5 1560 Aug. 22, 2006 5.9 810 4.4 1710 Aug. 23, 2006 5.7 840 3.9 1570 Aug. 23, 2006 6.2 920 4.6 1300 Aug. 23, 2006 5.9 910 3.9 1370 Aug. 23, 2006 4.8 860 3.0 1450 Aug. 23, 2006 4.8 900 2.7 1450 Aug. 23, 2006 4.4 930 2.6 1380 Aug. 23, 2006 6.4 1130 5.3 1360 Aug. 23, 2006 6.3 920 4.2 1360 Aug. 24, 2006 6.7 820 5.3 1290 Aug. 24, 2006 6.7 1100 5.5 1590 Aug. 24, 2006 6.7 1050 4.9 1520 Aug. 24, 2006 6.9 1000 5.0 1340 Aug. 24, 2006 6.6 1000 4.5 1540 Aug. 24, 2006 6.8 930 4.5 1630 Aug. 24, 2006 7.0 1150 4.9 1660 Aug. 24, 2006 6.7 1130 5.2 1770 Aug. 25, 2006 6.5 1130 5.2 1610 Aug. 25, 2006 6.4 1080 5.4 1500 Aug. 25, 2006 6.6 980 4.9 1530 Aug. 25, 2006 6.5 1010 5.0 1450 Aug. 25, 2006 7.0 1040 4.8 1600 Aug. 25, 2006 6.8 940 5.2 1640 Aug. 26, 2006 6.8 890 5.5 1210 Aug. 26, 2006 6.4 1090 4.6 1300 Aug. 26, 2006 6.9 1050 4.9 1360 Aug. 26, 2006 6.6 1140 4.9 1380 Aug. 26, 2006 6.8 1020 4.9 1590 Aug. 26, 2006 6.6 1190 4.7 1630 Aug. 26, 2006 6.7 1020 5.0 1700 Aug. 27, 2006 6.7 1040 5.4 1550 Aug. 27, 2006 6.6 1060 4.9 1520 Aug. 27, 2006 7.2 1070 4.6 1450 Aug. 27, 2006 6.7 1200 4.5 1600 Aug. 27, 2006 6.9 1060 4.9 1730 Aug. 27, 2006 6.9 1000 4.9 1770 Aug. 27, 2006 7.1 870 5.1 1830 Aug. 28, 2006 6.6 930 5.0 1570 Aug. 28, 2006 6.7 1010 4.7 1380 Aug. 28, 2006 6.7 930 4.6 1430 Aug. 28, 2006 6.8 1000 4.6 1520 Aug. 28, 2006 6.8 1000 4.8 1640 Aug. 28, 2006 7.1 980 4.8 1520 Aug. 28, 2006 6.7 1120 4.7 1710 Aug. 28, 2006 7.1 1050 5.4 1700 Aug. 29, 2006 6.8 1060 5.0 1520 Aug. 29, 2006 7.0 1080 5.1 1480 Aug. 29, 2006 6.8 1180 5.0 1590 Aug. 29, 2006 7.0 1090 4.8 1640 Aug. 29, 2006 7.2 1120 4.9 1650 Aug. 29, 2006 6.6 1170 4.7 1880 Aug. 30, 2006 7.0 1010 4.8 1840 Aug. 30, 2006 7.0 1120 5.0 1660 Aug. 30, 2006 6.9 1140 4.7 1640 Aug. 30, 2006 6.5 1230 4.5 1770 Aug. 30, 2006 6.9 1140 4.6 1740 Aug. 30, 2006 6.8 1250 4.8 1820 Aug. 30, 2006 6.5 1210 4.8 1820 Aug. 30, 2006 6.5 1150 5.2 1940 Aug. 31, 2006 2.9 1160 4.5 1820 Aug. 31, 2006 5.1 1110 3.6 1970 Aug. 31, 2006 6.1 1220 4.1 1900 Aug. 31, 2006 6.9 1180 4.6 1020 Aug. 31, 2006 6.8 1100 4.1 1020 Aug. 31, 2006 6.8 1060 4.7 2160 Sep. 01, 2006 6.7 1050 4.8 2060 Sep. 01, 2006 6.7 1180 4.3 1740 Sep. 01, 2006 6.1 1170 3.9 1780 Sep. 01, 2006 6.0 1180 4.3 1830 Sep. 01, 2006 6.1 1310 4.8 1920 Sep. 01, 2006 7.0 1240 4.4 1880 Sep. 01, 2006 6.5 1260 4.4 2260 Sep. 02, 2006 7.1 1100 4.6 1110 Sep. 02, 2006 6.6 1150 4.5 1950 Sep. 02, 2006 6.5 1250 4.5 1690 Sep. 02, 2006 6.5 1180 4.1 1930 Sep. 02, 2006 6.2 1170 4.7 1820 Sep. 02, 2006 6.7 1440 4.8 2200 Sep. 02, 2006 6.8 1380 4.1 2260 Sep. 02, 2006 6.8 1250 5.2 2380 Sep. 03, 2006 6.7 1160 4.5 2000 Sep. 03, 2006 6.6 1070 4.3 1830 Sep. 03, 2006 6.3 590 4.3 1780 Sep. 03, 2006 7.5 560 4.8 1450 Sep. 03, 2006 6.5 540 4.7 1290 Sep. 03, 2006 6.5 530 4.9 1080 Sep. 03, 2006 6.9 950 4.8 1400 Sep. 04, 2006 7.4 920 5.0 1270 Sep. 04, 2006 6.5 840 4.6 1210 Sep. 04, 2006 7.2 890 4.5 1170 Sep. 04, 2006 6.1 1140 3.6 1310 Sep. 04, 2006 7.2 1030 4.3 1430 Sep. 04, 2006 6.5 1070 4.7 1480 Sep. 04, 2006 6.6 940 5.0 1600 Sep. 06, 2006 6.6 990 4.5 1650 Sep. 06, 2006 6.3 1000 4.1 1560 Sep. 06, 2006 6.9 1010 4.0 1590 Sep. 06, 2006 6.2 1070 4.2 1450 Sep. 06, 2006 6.2 1240 4.4 1580 Sep. 06, 2006 6.4 1090 4.5 1660 Sep. 06, 2006 6.1 1080 4.3 1660 Sep. 06, 2006 6.3 950 4.4 1690 Sep. 07, 2006 6.5 950 4.4 1600 Sep. 07, 2006 6.7 1050 4.6 1570 Sep. 07, 2006 7.1 1070 4.6 1460 Sep. 07, 2006 7.1 1050 3.6 1490 Sep. 07, 2006 7.0 1140 4.4 1520 Sep. 07, 2006 7.2 1100 4.3 1620 Sep. 07, 2006 6.4 1100 4.3 1680 Sep. 07, 2006 6.6 1060 4.7 1790 Sep. 08, 2006 6.9 960 4.5 1680 Sep. 08, 2006 6.9 1030 4.6 1490 Sep. 08, 2006 6.8 1120 4.5 1540 Sep. 08, 2006 7.0 1050 4.5 1500 Sep. 08, 2006 6.7 1080 4.3 1520 Sep. 08, 2006 6.8 980 4.2 1560 Sep. 08, 2006 7.1 980 4.3 1520 Sep. 08, 2006 6.8 1000 4.4 1520 Sep. 08, 2006 6.8 1040 4.8 1610 Sep. 09, 2006 6.6 950 4.9 1580 Sep. 09, 2006 7.1 1080 4.5 1460 Sep. 09, 2006 6.9 1010 4.4 1450 Sep. 09, 2006 6.8 1210 4.6 1520 Sep. 09, 2006 6.9 1100 4.4 1570 Sep. 09, 2006 6.6 900 4.9 1670 Sep. 10, 2006 6.1 990 4.4 1380 Sep. 10, 2006 7.0 970 4.6 1460 Sep. 10, 2006 6.8 1050 4.7 1490 Sep. 10, 2006 6.4 1010 4.4 1530 Sep. 10, 2006 6.5 950 5.0 1630 Sep. 11, 2006 5.5 970 3.9 1550 Sep. 11, 2006 6.1 1120 4.3 1440 Sep. 11, 2006 6.9 1050 4.6 1440 Sep. 11, 2006 6.4 1030 4.6 1450 Sep. 11, 2006 6.2 990 4.8 1090 Sep. 12, 2006 6.6 870 3.6 1590 Sep. 12, 2006 5.9 1030 3.6 1460 Sep. 12, 2006 6.8 1060 4.5 1440 Sep. 12, 2006 7.2 950 4.5 1650 Sep. 12, 2006 6.5 880 4.8 1360 Sep. 12, 2006 6.2 500 4.8 1380 Sep. 13, 2006 6.5 1100 4.9 1220 Sep. 13, 2006 6.4 740 4.8 880 Sep. 13, 2006 6.6 970 5.0 901 Sep. 13, 2006 7.1 930 5.0 1060 Sep. 13, 2006 7.1 910 4.8 1180 Sep. 13, 2006 7.2 930 4.8 1330 Sep. 14, 2006 7.0 840 5.4 1180 Sep. 14, 2006 6.8 980 4.6 1350 Sep. 14, 2006 7.2 990 4.6 1340 Sep. 14, 2006 6.5 1030 4.4 1520 Sep. 14, 2006 6.4 1040 4.5 1500 Sep. 14, 2006 6.4 930 4.7 1690 Sep. 15, 2006 6.4 860 3.7 1770 Sep. 15, 2006 7.3 1070 4.5 1250 Sep. 15, 2006 6.3 1110 4.5 1610 Sep. 15, 2006 6.4 1060 4.7 1630 Sep. 16, 2006 6.4 970 4.8 1790 Sep. 16, 2006 6.7 1110 4.8 1470 Sep. 16, 2006 5.6 1040 4.1 1740 Sep. 17, 2006 7.1 750 5.8 1470 Sep. 17, 2006 6.9 1130 7.3 1410 Sep. 17, 2006 6.5 1050 6.1 1710 Sep. 18, 2006 6.4 960 5.6 1630 Sep. 18, 2006 5.7 1110 4.0 1740 Sep. 18, 2006 5.7 1040 4.6 1810 Sep. 19, 2006 5.7 1050 4.2 1560 Sep. 19, 2006 5.6 1070 4.7 1620 Sep. 19, 2006 6.6 1060 4.1 1680 Sep. 19, 2006 6.7 1000 4.1 1800 Sep. 20, 2006 6.4 950 4.3 1670 Sep. 20, 2006 6.6 1050 4.1 1750 Sep. 20, 2006 6.0 600 4.7 2100 Sep. 21, 2006 5.6 1010 4.5 1640 Sep. 21, 2006 5.9 1140 4.7 1700 Sep. 21, 2006 5.9 1100 3.8 1720 Sep. 21, 2006 5.6 1650 4.0 1940 Sep. 22, 2006 5.8 1350 4.9 1870 Sep. 22, 2006 6.6 1140 4.1 2140 Sep. 22, 2006 5.9 1110 4.5 2160 Sep. 23, 2006 5.7 1040 4.1 2740 Sep. 23, 2006 6.5 1060 4.7 1900 Sep. 23, 2006 5.9 1060 4.0 2360 Sep. 24, 2006 6.0 1060 4.4 2840 Sep. 24, 2006 5.8 860 4.1 2120 Sep. 24, 2006 6.2 560 4.1 1770 Sep. 24, 2006 6.7 510 5.1 1330 Sep. 25, 2006 7.3 520 7.0 630 Sep. 25, 2006 7.2 630 6.4 610 Sep. 25, 2006 6.9 620 6.6 750 Sep. 25, 2006 7.5 520 5.8 1180 Sep. 26, 2006 7.0 530 6.1 1270 Sep. 26, 2006 7.4 620 6.7 920 Sep. 26, 2006 7.2 570 6.6 950 Sep. 26, 2006 7.2 520 6.2 780 Sep. 26, 2006 7.4 520 6.5 800 Sep. 26, 2006 7.3 590 6.0 940 Sep. 26, 2006 7.3 570 6.4 940 Sep. 26, 2006 6.7 530 6.0 1870 Sep. 27, 2006 7.1 520 6.9 1040 Sep. 27, 2006 7.6 540 7.0 830 Sep. 27, 2006 7.3 600 6.8 660 Sep. 27, 2006 7.4 620 6.8 620 Sep. 27, 2006 7.3 590 7.1 860 Sep. 29, 2006 7.3 520 6.8 540 Sep. 29, 2006 6.9 630 6.9 750 Sep. 29, 2006 6.7 600 6.7 770 Sep. 29, 2006 6.8 650 6.9 880 Sep. 30, 2006 6.9 600 6.6 830 Sep. 30, 2006 6.6 630 6.3 910 Sep. 30, 2006 6.5 630 6.3 1040

Once the data from sensors 1, 2, 3 and 4 were collected, as shown in FIG. 1, the data was then transferred to the computer fertigation controller, as shown in FIG. 1, part 6. Transferring the data from the sensors to the computer fertigation controller can be accomplished in a number of ways, either wireless or hard wired. Although SCADALink 900-MB Wireless RTU/Radiomodem (Bentek Systems) was used in this instance, any type of telemetry system that allows for the delivery of sensor-derived information from the field to a central computer or by way of fixed wires or optical cables is acceptable.

The computer fertigation controller, as shown in FIG. 1, part 7, was used to: 1) stop and start irrigation events, 2) adjust the injection rates of the various nutritional components that were added to the water, 3) test the physical and nutritional characteristics of the water being sent to the irrigation system, and 4) keep a digital record of all the information and parameters. Although the software that was used to manage this process was Wonderware (Invensys), any data analysis software could be used in this process.

Once the data was sent to the computer fertigation controller, the computer fertigation controller software analyzed the data from the sensor that collected irrigation water from the drip emitter, as can be seen in FIG. 2, step 9 and the data from the sensor that collected excess water from the bottom of the container holding the plant, as shown in FIG. 3, step 10 by subtracting the excess water data from the irrigation water, as shown in FIG. 2, step 11. The result was the volume of water that was consumed by the plant, as shown in FIG. 2, step 12. The amount of water that was necessary to flush or leach out excess salts from the plant's container was then added to the analysis of the total amount of water used, as shown in FIG. 2, step 13. The amount of water used to flush or leach excess salts varies from crop to crop and by the season. When the amount of water used to flush or leach was added to the total volume consumed, as shown in FIG. 2, step 14, a signal was then sent from the computer fertigation controller to finalize the length of the next irrigation event, as shown in FIG. 2, step 15.

The data from the weighing scale measuring the amount of water that was available to the plant by measuring the real-time mass of the container, plant and water together was sent to the computer fertigation controller where the remaining water in the system was continuously measured, as shown in FIG. 3, step 20. The weighing scale provided the real-time mass of the water available to the plant by first weighing the container, the plant and water system, as shown in FIG. 2, step 16. The scale was then reset to zero prior to the next watering event, as shown in FIG. 2, step 17. From that point forward, the continuous mass readings from the scale were therefore only the mass of the water and not the mass of the container, plant and soil together. The computer fertigation controller was triggered to initiate an irrigation event by either 1) a predetermined trigger point, as shown in FIG. 2, step 18, based on a manually set percentage of irrigation water or 2) automatically based on a set inflection point on a curve of declining water, as shown in FIG. 2, step 19.

The nutritional components that were distributed by the computer fertigation controller were determined based on one or more seasonal nutritional plans for the selected crop, as can be shown in FIG. 3, step 22, along with the number of irrigation events per day based on past historical data of local temperature, humidity and other environmental factors, as shown in FIG. 3, step 23. Data from monitoring excess fertilizer amounts from chemical content sensors, as shown in FIG. 1, step 5, in water collection containers, as shown in FIG. 3, step 24, after each irrigation event was input into the software and used, along with the seasonal nutritional plan and the daily irrigation events, to calculate future nutrient levels for irrigation events. A signal was then sent to the computer fertigation controller to set the injection rates of fertilizer components for the next irrigation event, as shown in FIG. 3, step 25.

Once the data from the water and nutrient consumption sensors was analyzed the computer fertigation controller determined the amount of nutrients to be used in the next irrigation event. When needed, fertilizers were then transferred from holding tanks to various feeder and mixing tanks using variable rate injectors. In the fertigation room, as can be seen in FIG. 1, part 8, a feed tank supplied fertilizer and nutrients to a mixing tank in which the fertilizer was mixed with water from a water supply. Water for the fertigation controller was first run through a filter to remove particulates that may clog the irrigation system (e.g. Arkal Filtration Systems).

Analysis from the computer fertigation controller was used to determine the amount of fertilizers and nutrients from various containers to be injected into open top mixing containers directly into distribution lines. The open top containers were used to allow for optional hand mixing of additional materials that were not part of the standard fertilizer configuration. The containers were in communication with the computer fertigation controller in order to receive various solutions of feed formulas. The computer fertigation controller, in conjunction with the watering control system, used variable rate injectors (e.g. Walchem LK series metering pumps, Grundfos DME series diaphragm dosing pump, Vaccon venturi vacuum pumps, Netafim Fertijet) linked by a computer to deliver the desired levels of the additives to the water. Thus, the main water feed to the irrigation system was mixed with the calculated desired levels of fertilizers and nutrients needed by the plants. This variable rate injector was used to mix the calculated desired levels of fertilizers and nutrients as regulated by the computer fertigation controller. The use of stainless steel for components of the fertigation system is preferred but plastic or ceramic components can be substituted.

In addition to adding nutritional components into the water the computer fertigation controller sent signals to cause air to be directly injected into the irrigation water (e.g. Mazzie or SWT air injectors). The added air has the beneficial effect of increasing the rate of chemical activity in the root zone and also making more oxygen directly available to the roots.

Drip emitters were situated along the irrigation, line which is a pipe, hose or conduit which delivers water and/or nutrient from the fertigation system to the base of plants under cultivation, as shown in FIG. 1, 1 and FIG. 4, part 27. Preferably a drip emitter was located at the base of a plant and to each side of the inside of the plant container. For example, for use with fruit trees, a drip emitter was placed at the base of the tree and to either side of the plant container in which the tree is planted. Alternatively, several drip emitters may surround the plant at various locations over the plant container. The drip emitter may simply be a small hole in the conduit through which liquid may slowly escape or a small tube running from the conduit and into the container.

While the present invention is directed to a computer controlled fertigation method, the fertigation may also be manually controlled. For instance, all of the data from the sensors may be manually recorded and then analyzed by hand. After the data from the sensors was analyzed the water and nutrients may then be mixed by hand in the open mixing tanks. The next irrigation event may then be started and stopped manually.

While the present invention is directed to a computer controlled fertigation method, the fertigation may also be manually controlled. For instance, all of the data from the sensors may be manually recorded and then analyzed by hand. After the data from the sensors is analyzed the water and nutrients may then be mixed by hand in the open mixing tanks. The next irrigation event may then be started and stopped manually.

Example 2 Soil Moisture Sensor

In a second embodiment of the current invention, soil moisture sensors were used along with the sensors for measuring water and nutrient consumption to provide data for the computer fertigation controller. Any soil moisture sensor can be used in this system. EasyAG soil moisture sensors, including Voltage Probe or EasyAG MA2-30 3 Sensor, which utilized Frequency Domain Reflectometry (FDR) were used to measure soil water. Depending on the size of the container there may either be a single sensor or multiple sensors placed at varying depths in order to sample the different portions of the active root zones. The soil moisture sensor provided two different perspectives on the soil, root, and water interactions. The first provided a real-time picture of how much water was being applied to the various root zones during irrigation. After the irrigation event has ended, the sensors also provided a real-time view of water use and availability.

Soil moisture sensors could be used either in place of the weighing scale or to supplement it. Rather than tracking the declining mass of water in a plant's container with a scale, this system charts the volume of water in the soil indirectly through changes in the physical property of the soil and water mix. When the soil moisture level reached a predetermined threshold, which was determined through past experience, the computer sent out the command to initiate the next watering event.

The data from the soil moisture sensor is used in the same manner as the data from the scale and can be used as a supplement to the soil moisture data by providing secondary input to the data from the scale. This serves as a backup system that ensures that there is always good data being sent to the control computer on the available plant water.

While this could be a very reasonable alternative method of obtaining real-time information on plant water usage, there is a slight drawback. The values of water volume derived from this sensor are relatively accurate, but still are a calculated value derived from an equation applied to data on the dielectric properties of soil and moisture.

Table 6 shows the soil moisture content at various times during a single day. Table 6 shows that the moisture content of the soil is kept relatively constant throughout the day due to the regularity of the irrigation events. Column 1 of Table 6 shows the date, column 2 shows the time of the irrigation event and column 3 shows soil moisture content in percent water in the soil matrix.

TABLE 6 Soil moisture in percent water in Date Time soil matrix Feb. 27, 2007  7:43 AM 26.27 Feb. 27, 2007  7:54 AM 26.15 Feb. 27, 2007  8:07 AM 26.29 Feb. 27, 2007  8:19 AM 26.28 Feb. 27, 2007  8:30 AM 26.09 Feb. 27, 2007  8:42 AM 26.13 Feb. 27, 2007  8:54 AM 26.12 Feb. 27, 2007  9:06 AM 28.11 Feb. 27, 2007  9:18 AM 32.32 Feb. 27, 2007  9:30 AM 35.96 Feb. 27, 2007  9:41 AM 38.18 Feb. 27, 2007  9:53 AM 37.20 Feb. 27, 2007 10:05 AM 36.39 Feb. 27, 2007 10:17 AM 36.11 Feb. 27, 2007 10:29 AM 35.69 Feb. 27, 2007 10:41 AM 35.28 Feb. 27, 2007 10:52 AM 35.15 Feb. 27, 2007 11:04 AM 34.86 Feb. 27, 2007 11:16 AM 34.43 Feb. 27, 2007 11:28 AM 34.31 Feb. 27, 2007 11:40 AM 34.16 Feb. 27, 2007 11:52 AM 33.88 Feb. 27, 2007 12:03 AM 33.61 Feb. 27, 2007 12:15 AM 33.35 Feb. 27, 2007 12:27 AM 33.20 Feb. 27, 2007 12:39 AM 33.06 Feb. 27, 2007 12:51 AM 33.64 Feb. 27, 2007  1:03 AM 33.61

Table 6 shows that an irrigation event was initiated at 8:54 am and continued until 9:41 am. After the irrigation event ended the percentage of waste in the soil matrix begin to steadily drop.

Sensors were also positioned in order to quantify the amount of water and/or nutrients that the plant consumed. The sensors were used to measure: 1) the amount of water delivered to the plant; 2) the volume of excess water exiting from the plant; 3) the chemical content of the excess water from the plant; and 4) the total amount of water continuously available to the plant.

To measure the amount of water delivered to the plant, a sensor (for example, TB4-L Hydrological Services 8″ Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge), as shown in FIG. 1, part 2 and FIG. 4, part 28, was stationed under a single set of drip emitters that deliver water to a single plant container. Alternatively, an in-line flow sensor could also be employed. A drip emitter is a device that is used on an irrigation line to transfer water to the area to be irrigated, as shown in FIG. 4, part 26, next to the plant container in FIG. 4 part 29. Netafim integrated drippers, pressure compensated on-line drippers or arrow drippers were used depending on the crop type grown. The sensor collected and measured the amount of water distributed from the drip emitter during watering events that provide water and/or nutrients to the neighboring plant.

Drip emitters were situated along the irrigation line which is a pipe, hose or conduit which delivers water and/or nutrient from the fertigation system to the base of plants under cultivation, as shown in FIG. 1, part 1 and FIG. 4, part 27. Preferably a drip emitter was located at the base of a plant and to each side of the plant. For example, for use with fruit trees, a drip emitter was placed at the base of the tree and to either side of the container in which the tree is planted. Alternatively, several drip emitters may surround the plant at various locations over the plant container. The drip emitter may simply be a small hole in the conduit through which liquid may slowly escape or a small tube running from the conduit and into the container.

Once it was determined how much water was being delivered to the plant, it was then determined how much water was actually being used by the plant. This was done by measuring the excess water or outflow of water from a plant container. The excess water, as shown in FIG. 5, part 30 was measured using a sensor, as shown in FIG. 1, part 3 and FIG. 5, part 31 that was placed under the container, FIG. 5, part 32. The sensor continuously collected water that was being emitted from the plant container.

Next, the real-time measurement of the amount of water that was available to the plant was measured. To obtain the real-time measurement of water available to the plant, a scale (Rice Lake IQ 355 Digital Weight Indicator with a 4-20 mA analog output), as shown in FIG. 1, part 4, and FIG. 6, part 33 was placed under a plant container, FIG. 6, part 34. The scale provided the real-time mass of the water available to the plant by first weighing the container, the plant and water together. The scale was recorded just prior to the next watering event and served as a basis of comparison for subsequent readings. From that point forward, the sensor calculated weight readings of the water continuously available or uninterrupted, and not the plant container system.

In order to accurately determine the amount of nutrients required by a plant, the amount of nutrients distributed in the irrigation water that were not taken up by the plant needed to be determined. To measure the nutrients another container, a collection container for receiving excess water from the plant container, was placed under a plant container, as can be seen in FIG. 7, part 35. The collection container, FIG. 1, part 5 under the plant container, FIG. 7, part 36 from the plant which allowed sensors, FIG. 7, part 37, to be placed in the collected water to measure the chemical content of the excess water. These sensors included including 31 Series or 35 Series—sealed polycarbonate pH electrode, 02 Series—epoxy body conductivity electrode, or 35 Series—ion selective electrodes (Analytical Sensors and Instruments, LTD) which measure levels of ammonium, calcium, cupric, nitrate, nitrite, potassium, sulphide. Alternatively, the chemical content could also be determined through standard laboratory test procedures and entered into a computer manually.

Once the data from sensors 1, 2, 3 and 4 were collected, as shown in FIG. 1, the data was then transferred to the computer fertigation controller, as shown in FIG. 1, part 6. Transferring the data from the sensors to the computer fertigation controller can be accomplished in a number of ways, either wireless or hard wired. Although SCADALink 900-MB Wireless RTU/Radiomodem (Bentek Systems) was used in this instance, any type of telemetry system that allows for the delivery of sensor-derived information from the field to a central computer or by way of fixed wires or optical cables is acceptable.

The computer fertigation controller, as shown in FIG. 1, part 7 was used to: 1) stop and start irrigation events, 2) adjust the injection rates of the various nutritional components that were added to the water, 3) test the physical and nutritional characteristics of the water being sent to the irrigation system, and 4) keep a digital record of all the information and parameters. Although the software that was used to manage this process was Wonderware (Invensys), any human-machine interaction software could be used in this process.

Once the data was sent to the computer fertigation controller, the computer fertigation controller software analyzed the data from the sensor that collected irrigation water from the drip emitter, as can be seen in FIG. 2, step 9 and the data from the sensor that collected excess water from the bottom of the container holding the plant, as shown in FIG. 3, step 10 by subtracting the excess water data from the irrigation water, as shown in FIG. 2, step 11. The result was the volume of water that was consumed by the plant, as shown in FIG. 2, step 12. The amount of water that was necessary to flush or leach out excess salts from the plant's container was then added to the analysis of the total amount of water used, as shown in FIG. 2, step 13. The amount of water used to flush or leach excess salts varies from crop to crop and by the season. When the amount of water used to flush or leach was added to the total volume consumed, as shown in FIG. 2, step 14, a signal was then sent from the computer fertigation controller to finalize the length of the next irrigation event, as shown in FIG. 2, step 15.

The data from the weighing scale measuring the amount of water that was available to the plant by measuring the real-time mass of the container, plant and water together was sent to the computer fertigation controller where the remaining water in the system was continuously measured, as shown in FIG. 3, step 20. The weighing scale provided the real-time mass of the water available to the plant by first weighing the container, the plant and water system, as shown in FIG. 2, step 16. The scale was then reset to zero prior to the next watering event, as shown in FIG. 2, step 17. From that point forward, the continuous mass readings from the scale were therefore only the mass of the water and not the mass of the container, plant and soil together. The computer fertigation controller was triggered to initiate an irrigation event by either 1) a predetermined trigger point, as shown in FIG. 2, step 18, based on a manually set percentage of irrigation water or 2) automatically based on a set inflection point on a curve of declining water, as shown in FIG. 2, step 19.

The nutritional components that were distributed by the computer fertigation controller were determined based on one or more seasonal nutritional plans for the selected crop, as can be shown in FIG. 3, step 22, along with the number of irrigation events per day based on past historical data of local temperature, humidity and other environmental factors, as shown in FIG. 3, step 23. Data from monitoring excess fertilizer amounts from chemical content sensors, as shown in FIG. 1, step 5, in water collection containers, as shown in FIG. 3, step 24, after each irrigation event was input into the software and used, along with the seasonal nutritional plan and the daily irrigation events, to calculate future nutrient levels for irrigation events. A signal was then sent to the computer fertigation controller to set the injection rates of fertilizer components for the next irrigation event, as shown in FIG. 3, step 25.

Once the data from the water and nutrient consumption sensors was analyzed the computer fertigation controller determined the amount of nutrients to be used in the next irrigation event. When needed, fertilizers were then transferred from holding tanks to various feeder and mixing tanks using variable rate injectors. In the fertigation room, as can be seen in FIG. 1, part 8, a feed tank supplied fertilizer and nutrients to a mixing tank in which the fertilizer was mixed with water from a water supply. Water for the fertigation controller was first run through a filter to remove particulates that may clog the irrigation system (e.g. Arkal Filtration Systems).

Analysis from the computer fertigation controller was used to determine the amount of fertilizers and nutrients from various containers to be injected into open top mixing containers directly into distribution lines. The open top containers were used to allow for optional hand mixing of additional materials that were not part of the standard fertilizer configuration. The containers were in communication with the computer fertigation controller in order to receive various solutions of feed formulas. The computer fertigation controller, in conjunction with the watering control system, used variable rate injectors (e.g. Walchem LK series metering pumps, Grundfos DME series diaphragm dosing pump, Vaccon venturi vacuum pumps, Netafim Fertijet) linked by a computer to deliver the desired levels of the additives to the water. Thus, the main water feed to the irrigation system was mixed with the calculated desired levels of fertilizers and nutrients needed by the plants. This variable rate injector was used to mix the calculated desired levels of fertilizers and nutrients as regulated by the computer fertigation controller. The use of stainless steel for components of the fertigation system is preferred but plastic components can be substituted.

In addition to adding nutritional components into the water the computer fertigation controller sent signals to cause air to be directly injected into the irrigation water. The added air has the beneficial effect of increasing the rate of chemical activity in the root zone and also making more oxygen directly available to the roots.

Drip emitters were situated along the irrigation, line which is a pipe, hose or conduit which delivers water and/or nutrient from the fertigation system to the base of plants under cultivation, as shown in FIG. 1, 1 and FIG. 4, part 27. Preferably a drip emitter was located at the base of a plant and to each side of the inside of the plant container. For example, for use with fruit trees, a drip emitter was placed at the base of the tree and to either side of the plant container in which the tree is planted. Alternatively, several drip emitters may surround the plant at various locations over the plant container. The drip emitter may simply be a small hole in the conduit through which liquid may slowly escape or a small tube running from the conduit and into the container.

While the present invention is directed to a computer controlled fertigation method, the fertigation may also be manually controlled. For instance, all of the data from the sensors may be manually recorded and then analyzed by hand. After the data from the sensors is analyzed the water and nutrients may then be mixed by hand in the open mixing tanks. The next irrigation event may then be started and stopped manually.

Example 3 Soil Moisture and Ion Level Sensor

In another embodiment of the current invention, a soil moisture sensor, the RS232 TriSCAN Probe, Easy AG TA2-30 3 Sensor from Sentek, is used to determine the volumetric ion content of the soil. The sensor provides real-time information on the total accumulated salts in the plant's container. This information is then used by the computer fertigation controller to determine how much additional water should be applied to the plant in order to flush out the excess salts. The soil moisture sensor tracks the volumetric ion content during irrigation events and stops the event when the ion levels drop to a certain level. Alternatively, a set of manual inputs can be made to set the level of additional water needed to perform the leach for specific ranges of observed light metric ion content.

Four sensors were also positioned in order to quantify the amount of water and/or nutrients that the plant consumed. The four sensors were used to measure: 1) the amount of water delivered to the plant; 2) the volume of excess water exiting from the plant; 3) the chemical content of the excess water from the plant; and 4) the total amount of water continuously available to the plant.

To measure the amount of water delivered to the plant, a sensor (for example, TB4-L Hydrological Services 8″ Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge), as shown in FIG. 1, part 2 and FIG. 4, part 28, was stationed under a single set of drip emitters that deliver water to a single plant container. Alternatively, an in-line flow sensor could also be employed. The drip emitter is a device that is used on an irrigation line to transfer water to the area to be irrigated, as shown in FIG. 4, part 26, next to the plant container in FIG. 4 part 29. Netafim integrated drippers, pressure compensated on-line drippers or arrow drippers were used depending on the crop type grown. The sensor collected and measured the amount of water distributed from the drip emitter during watering events that provide water and/or nutrients to the neighboring plant.

Drip emitters were situated along the irrigation line which is a pipe, hose or conduit which delivers water and/or nutrient from the fertigation system to the base of plants under cultivation, as shown in FIG. 1, part 1 and FIG. 4, part 27. Preferably a drip emitter was located at the base of a plant and to each side of the plant. For example, for use with fruit trees, a drip emitter was placed at the base of the tree and to either side of the container in which the tree is planted. Alternatively, several drip emitters may surround the plant at various locations over the plant container. The drip emitter may simply be a small hole in the conduit through which liquid may slowly escape or a small tube running from the conduit and into the container.

Once it was determined how much water was being delivered to the plant, it was then determined how much water was actually being used by the plant. This was done by measuring the excess water or outflow of water from a plant container. The excess water, as shown in FIG. 5, part 30 was measured using a sensor, as shown in FIG. 1, part 3 and FIG. 5, part 31 that was placed under the container, FIG. 5, part 32. The sensor continuously collected water that was being emitted from the plant container.

Next, the real-time measurement of the amount of water that was available to the plant was measured. To obtain the real-time measurement of water available to the plant, a scale (Rice Lake IQ 355 Digital Weight Indicator with a 4-20 mA analog output), as shown in FIG. 1, part 4, and FIG. 6, part 33 was placed under a plant container, FIG. 6, part 34. The scale provided the real-time mass of the water available to the plant by first weighing the container, the plant and water together. The scale was recorded just prior to the next watering event and served as a basis of comparison for subsequent readings. From that point forward, the sensor calculated weight readings of the water continuously available or uninterrupted, and not the plant container system.

In order to accurately determine the amount of nutrients required by a plant, the amount of nutrients distributed in the irrigation water that were not taken up by the plant needed to be determined. To measure the nutrients another container, a collection container for receiving excess water from the plant container, was placed under a plant container, as can be seen in FIG. 7, part 35. The collection container, FIG. 1, part 5 under the plant container, FIG. 7, part 36 from the plant which allowed sensors, FIG. 7, part 37, to be placed in the collected water to measure the chemical content of the excess water. These sensors included including 31 Series or 35 Series—sealed polycarbonate pH electrode, 02 Series—epoxy body conductivity electrode, or 35 Series—ion selective electrodes (Analytical Sensors and Instruments, LTD) which measure levels of ammonium, calcium, cupric, nitrate, nitrite, potassium, sulphide. Alternatively, the chemical content could also be determined through standard laboratory test procedures and entered into a computer manually.

Once the data from sensors 1, 2, 3 and 4 were collected, as shown in FIG. 1, the data was then transferred to the computer fertigation controller, as shown in FIG. 1, part 6. Transferring the data from the sensors to the computer fertigation controller can be accomplished in a number of ways, either wireless or hard wired. Although SCADALink 900-MB Wireless RTU/Radiomodem (Bentek Systems) was used in this instance, any type of telemetry system that allows for the delivery of sensor-derived information from the field to a central computer or by way of fixed wires or optical cables is acceptable.

The computer fertigation controller, as shown in FIG. 1, part 7, was used to: 1) stop and start irrigation events, 2) adjust the injection rates of the various nutritional components that were added to the water, 3) test the physical and nutritional characteristics of the water being sent to the irrigation system, and 4) keep a digital record of all the information and parameters. Although the software that was used to manage this process was Wonderware (Invensys), any human-machine interaction software could be used in this process.

Once the data was sent to the computer fertigation controller, the computer fertigation controller software analyzed the data from the sensor that collected irrigation water from the drip emitter, as can be seen in FIG. 2, step 9 and the data from the sensor that collected excess water from the bottom of the container holding the plant, as shown in FIG. 3, step 10 by subtracting the excess water data from the irrigation water, as shown in FIG. 2, step 11. The result was the volume of water that was consumed by the plant, as shown in FIG. 2, step 12. The amount of water that was necessary to flush or leach out excess salts from the plant's container was then added to the analysis of the total amount of water used, as shown in FIG. 2, step 13. The amount of water used to flush or leach excess salts varies from crop to crop and by the season. When the amount of water used to flush or leach was added to the total volume consumed, as shown in FIG. 2, step 14, a signal was then sent from the computer fertigation controller to finalize the length of the next irrigation event, as shown in FIG. 2, step 15.

The data from the weighing scale measuring the amount of water that was available to the plant by measuring the real-time mass of the container, plant and water together was sent to the computer fertigation controller where the remaining water in the system was continuously measured, as shown in FIG. 3, step 20. The weighing scale provided the real-time mass of the water available to the plant by first weighing the container, the plant and water system, as shown in FIG. 2, step 16. The scale was then reset to zero prior to the next watering event, as shown in FIG. 2, step 17. From that point forward, the continuous mass readings from the scale were therefore only the mass of the water and not the mass of the container, plant and soil together. The computer fertigation controller was triggered to initiate an irrigation event by either 1) a predetermined trigger point, as shown in FIG. 2, step 18, based on a manually set percentage of irrigation water or 2) automatically based on a set inflection point on a curve of declining water, as shown in FIG. 2, step 19.

The nutritional components that were distributed by the computer fertigation controller were determined based on one or more seasonal nutritional plans for the selected crop, as can be shown in FIG. 3, step 22, along with the number of irrigation events per day based on past historical data of local temperature, humidity and other environmental factors, as shown in FIG. 3, step 23. Data from monitoring excess fertilizer amounts from chemical content sensors, as shown in FIG. 1, step 5, in water collection containers, as shown in FIG. 3, step 24, after each irrigation event was input into the software and used, along with the seasonal nutritional plan and the daily irrigation events, to calculate future nutrient levels for irrigation events. A signal was then sent to the computer fertigation controller to set the injection rates of fertilizer components for the next irrigation event, as shown in FIG. 3, step 25.

Once the data from the water and nutrient consumption sensors was analyzed the computer fertigation controller determined the amount of nutrients to be used in the next irrigation event. When needed, fertilizers were then transferred from holding tanks to various feeder and mixing tanks using variable rate injectors. In the fertigation room, as can be seen in FIG. 1, part 8, a feed tank supplied fertilizer and nutrients to a mixing tank in which the fertilizer was mixed with water from a water supply. Water for the fertigation controller was first run through a filter to remove particulates that may clog the irrigation system.

Analysis from the computer fertigation controller was used to determine the amount of fertilizers and nutrients from various containers to be injected into open top mixing containers directly into distribution lines. The open top containers were used to allow for optional hand mixing of additional materials that were not part of the standard fertilizer configuration. The containers were in communication with the computer fertigation controller in order to receive various solutions of feed formulas. The computer fertigation controller, in conjunction with the watering control system, used variable rate injectors (e.g. Walchem LK series metering pumps, Grundfos DME series diaphragm dosing pump, Vaccon venturi vacuum pumps, Netafim Fertijet) linked by a computer to deliver the desired levels of the additives to the water. Thus, the main water feed to the irrigation system was mixed with the calculated desired levels of fertilizers and nutrients needed by the plants. This variable rate injector was used to mix the calculated desired levels of fertilizers and nutrients as regulated by the computer fertigation controller. The use of stainless steel for components of the fertigation system is preferred but plastic components can be substituted.

In addition to adding nutritional components into the water the computer fertigation controller sent signals to cause air to be directly injected into the irrigation water. The added air has the beneficial effect of increasing the rate of chemical activity in the root zone and also making more oxygen directly available to the roots.

Drip emitters were situated along the irrigation, line which is a pipe, hose or conduit which delivers water and/or nutrient from the fertigation system to the base of plants under cultivation, as shown in FIG. 1, 1 and FIG. 4, part 27. Preferably a drip emitter was located at the base of a plant and to either side of the inside of the plant container. For example, for use with fruit trees, a drip emitter was placed at the base of the tree and to either side of the plant container in which the tree is planted. Alternatively, several drip emitters may surround the plant at various locations over the plant container. The drip emitter may simply be a small hole in the conduit through which liquid may slowly escape or a small tube running from the conduit and into the container.

While the present invention is directed to a computer controlled fertigation method, the fertigation may also be manually controlled. For instance, all of the data from the sensors may be manually recorded and then analyzed by hand. After the data from the sensors is analyzed the water and nutrients may then be mixed by hand in the open mixing tanks. The next irrigation event may then be started and stopped manually.

Example 4 Fruit and Stem Diameter Sensors

In another embodiment of the current invention, highly precise incremental sensors, such as the FI-XSM, FI-SM, FI-MM, FI-LM, SD-5M, SD-6M or the DE-1M from PhyTech, were used to monitor stem and fruit diameter along with the sensors for measuring water and nutrient consumption to provide an additional perspective on a plant's physiological response to available water.

Stem and fruit diameter sensors are used with additional sensors of the present invention or in place of the scale. In one embodiment, rather than tracking the declining mass of water in a plant's container with a scale, the computer fertigation controller charts the volume of water in the soil indirectly through changes in the physical response of the plant the availability of water to the root system. When the stem or fruit diameter starts to drop in response to a diminished water supply the computer sends out the signal to initiate the next watering event.

Data from the stem or fruit diameter sensor is used in the same manner as the data from the scale. The data from the stem or fruit diameter sensor is used as a supplement or serves as a secondary input to the data from the scale. The stem and fruit diameter sensors also serve as a backup system to ensure that good data is being sent to the computer fertigation controller on the available plant water.

Stem and fruit diameter sensors also provide data for graphs that are useful for detecting additional plant stresses along with loss of water. A drop in stem and fruit diameters has been associated with pest infestations, even before the pest issue was visible in the field.

Stem and fruit diameter sensors are a reasonable alternative method of obtaining real-time information on plant water usage. While there is a strong linear relationship between stem and fruit diameter and available water, there is also a time delay between the loss of water to the root system and the plant's response to the loss. This time delay increases as the distance from the root to the location of the sensor is increased, and also becomes dependent on the general transport characteristics of the plant.

Table 7 shows the plant trunk diameter measured in millimeters at various times during one day. Table 7 shows that the trunk diameter fluctuates based on the amount of water available to the plant. The table also shows that the trunk diameter steadily decreases as the amount of water available to the plant decreases. Column 1 of Table 7 shows the date, column 2 shows the time and column 3 shows the diameter of the plant trunk in millimeters.

TABLE 7 Date Time Plant trunk diameter (mm) Jan. 20, 2007  8:25 AM 2.6698 Jan. 20, 2007  8:37 AM 2.6751 Jan. 20, 2007  8:49 AM 2.6789 Jan. 20, 2007  9:01 AM 2.6808 Jan. 20, 2007  9:13 AM 2.6823 Jan. 20, 2007  9:25 AM 2.6827 Jan. 20, 2007  9:36 AM 2.68 Jan. 20, 2007  9:48 AM 2.6789 Jan. 20, 2007 10:00 AM 2.6728 Jan. 20, 2007 10:12 AM 2.6698 Jan. 20, 2007 10:24 AM 2.666 Jan. 20, 2007 10:35 AM 2.661 Jan. 20, 2007 10:48 AM 2.6607 Jan. 20, 2007 10:59 AM 2.6588 Jan. 20, 2007 11:11 AM 2.6535 Jan. 20, 2007 11:23 AM 2.6516 Jan. 20, 2007 11:35 AM 2.647 Jan. 20, 2007 11:46 AM 2.6443 Jan. 20, 2007 11:58 AM 2.6417 Jan. 20, 2007 12:10 AM 2.6409 Jan. 20, 2007 12:22 AM 2.6394 Jan. 20, 2007 12:34 AM 2.6387 Jan. 20, 2007 12:46 AM 2.6364 Jan. 20, 2007 12:57 AM 2.6356 Jan. 20, 2007  1:09 PM 2.6352 Jan. 20, 2007  1:21 PM 2.6326 Jan. 20, 2007  1:33 PM 2.633 Jan. 20, 2007  1:45 PM 2.6333 Jan. 20, 2007  1:57 PM 2.633 Jan. 20, 2007  2:08 PM 2.6303 Jan. 20, 2007  2:20 PM 2.628 Jan. 20, 2007  2:32 PM 2.6276

Four sensors were also positioned in order to quantify the amount of water and/or nutrients that the plant consumed. The four sensors were used to measure: 1) the amount of water delivered to the plant; 2) the volume of excess water exiting from the plant; 3) the chemical content of the excess water from the plant; and 4) the total amount of water continuously available to the plant.

To measure the amount of water delivered to the plant, a sensor (for example, TB4-L Hydrological Services 8″ Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge), as shown in FIG. 1, part 2 and FIG. 4, part 28, was stationed under a single set of drip emitters that deliver water to a single plant container. Alternatively, an in-line flow sensor could also be employed. The drip emitter is a device that is used on an irrigation line to transfer water to the area to be irrigated, as shown in FIG. 4, part 26, next to the plant container in FIG. 4 part 29. Netafim integrated drippers, pressure compensated on-line drippers or arrow drippers were used depending on the crop type grown. The sensor collected and measured the amount of water distributed from the drip emitter during watering events that provide water and/or nutrients to the neighboring plant.

Drip emitters were situated along the irrigation line which is a pipe, hose or conduit which delivers water and/or nutrient from the fertigation system to the base of plants under cultivation, as shown in FIG. 1, part 1 and FIG. 4, part 27. Preferably a drip emitter was located at the base of a plant and to each side of the plant. For example, for use with fruit trees, a drip emitter was placed at the base of the tree and to either side of the container in which the tree is planted. Alternatively, several drip emitters may surround the plant at various locations over the plant container. The drip emitter may simply be a small hole in the conduit through which liquid may slowly escape or a small tube running from the conduit and into the container.

Once it was determined how much water was being delivered to the plant, it was then determined how much water was actually being used by the plant. This was done by measuring the excess water or outflow of water from a plant container. The excess water, as shown in FIG. 5, part 30 was measured using a sensor, as shown in FIG. 1, part 3 and FIG. 5, part 31 that was placed under the container, FIG. 5, part 32. The sensor continuously collected water that was being emitted from the plant container.

Next, the real-time measurement of the amount of water that was available to the plant was measured. To obtain the real-time measurement of water available to the plant, a scale (Rice Lake IQ 355 Digital Weight Indicator with a 4-20 mA analog output), as shown in FIG. 1, part 4, and FIG. 6, part 33 was placed under a plant container, FIG. 6, part 34. The scale provided the real-time mass of the water available to the plant by first weighing the container, the plant and water system together. The scale was recorded just prior to the next watering event and served as a basis of comparison for subsequent readings. From that point forward, the sensor calculated weight readings of the water continuously available or uninterrupted, and not the plant container system.

In order to accurately determine the amount of nutrients required by a plant, the amount of nutrients distributed in the irrigation water that were not taken up by the plant needed to be determined. To measure the nutrients another container, a collection container for receiving excess water from the plant container, was placed under a plant container, as can be seen in FIG. 7, part 35. The collection container, FIG. 1, part 5 under the plant container, FIG. 7, part 36 from the plant which allowed sensors, FIG. 7, part 37, to be placed in the collected water to measure the chemical content of the excess water. These sensors included including 31 Series or 35 Series—sealed polycarbonate pH electrode, 02 Series—epoxy body conductivity electrode, or 35 Series—ion selective electrodes (Analytical Sensors and Instruments, LTD) which measure levels of ammonium, calcium, cupric, nitrate, nitrite, potassium, sulphide. Alternatively, the chemical content could also be determined through standard laboratory test procedures and entered into a computer manually.

Once the data from sensors 1, 2, 3 and 4 were collected, as shown in FIG. 1, the data was then transferred to the computer fertigation controller, as shown in FIG. 1, part 6. Transferring the data from the sensors to the computer fertigation controller can be accomplished in a number of ways, either wireless or hard wired. Although SCADALink 900-MB Wireless RTU/Radiomodem (Bentek Systems) was used in this instance, any type of telemetry system that allows for the delivery of sensor-derived information from the field to a central computer or by way of fixed wires or optical cables is acceptable.

The computer fertigation controller, as shown in FIG. 1, part 7, was used to: 1) stop and start irrigation events, 2) adjust the injection rates of the various nutritional components that were added to the water, 3) test the physical and nutritional characteristics of the water being sent to the irrigation system, and 4) keep a digital record of all the information and parameters. Although the software that was used to manage this process was Wonderware (Invensys), any human-machine interaction software could be used in this process.

Once the data was sent to the computer fertigation controller, the computer fertigation controller software analyzed the data from the sensor that collected irrigation water from the drip emitter, as can be seen in FIG. 2, step 9 and the data from the sensor that collected excess water from the bottom of the container holding the plant, as shown in FIG. 3, step 10 by subtracting the excess water data from the irrigation water, as shown in FIG. 2, step 11. The result was the volume of water that was consumed by the plant, as shown in FIG. 2, step 12. The amount of water that was necessary to flush or leach out excess salts from the plant's container was then added to the analysis of the total amount of water used, as shown in FIG. 2, step 13. The amount of water used to flush or leach excess salts varies from crop to crop and by the season. When the amount of water used to flush or leach was added to the total volume consumed, as shown in FIG. 2, step 14, a signal was then sent from the computer fertigation controller to finalize the length of the next irrigation event, as shown in FIG. 2, step 15.

The data from the weighing scale measuring the amount of water that was available to the plant by measuring the real-time mass of the container, plant and water together was sent to the computer fertigation controller where the remaining water in the system was continuously measured, as shown in FIG. 3, step 20. The weighing scale provided the real-time mass of the water available to the plant by first weighing the container, the plant and water system, as shown in FIG. 2, step 16. The digital scale was then reset to zero prior to the next watering event, as shown in FIG. 2, step 17. From that point forward, the continuous mass readings from the scale were therefore only the mass of the water and not the mass of the container, plant and soil together. The computer fertigation controller was triggered to initiate an irrigation event by either 1) a predetermined trigger point, as shown in FIG. 2, step 18, based on a manually set percentage of irrigation water or 2) automatically based on a set inflection point on a curve of declining water, as shown in FIG. 2, step 19.

The nutritional components that were distributed by the computer fertigation controller were determined based on one or more seasonal nutritional plans for the selected crop, as can be shown in FIG. 3, step 22, along with the number of irrigation events per day based on past historical data of local temperature, humidity and other environmental factors, as shown in FIG. 3, step 23. Data from monitoring excess fertilizer amounts from chemical content sensors, as shown in FIG. 1, step 5, in water collection containers, as shown in FIG. 3, step 24, after each irrigation event was input into the software and used, along with the seasonal nutritional plan and the daily irrigation events, to calculate future nutrient levels for irrigation events. A signal was then sent to the computer fertigation controller to set the injection rates of fertilizer components for the next irrigation event, as shown in FIG. 3, step 25.

Once the data from the water and nutrient consumption sensors was analyzed the computer fertigation controller determined the amount of nutrients to be used in the next irrigation event. When needed, fertilizers were then transferred from holding tanks to various feeder and mixing tanks using variable rate injectors. In the fertigation room, as can be seen in FIG. 1, part 8, a feed tank supplied fertilizer and nutrients to a mixing tank in which the fertilizer was mixed with water from a water supply. Water for the fertigation controller was first run through a filter to remove particulates that may clog the irrigation system (e.g. Arkal Filtration Systems).

Analysis from the computer fertigation controller was used to determine the amount of fertilizers and nutrients from various containers to be injected into open top mixing containers directly into distribution lines. The open top containers were used to allow for optional hand mixing of additional materials that were not part of the standard fertilizer configuration. The containers were in communication with the computer fertigation controller in order to receive various solutions of feed formulas. The computer fertigation controller, in conjunction with the watering control system, used variable rate injectors (e.g. Walchem LK series metering pumps, Grundfos DME series diaphragm dosing pump, Vaccon venturi vacuum pumps, Netafim Fertijet) linked by a computer to deliver the desired levels of the additives to the water. Thus, the main water feed to the irrigation system was mixed with the calculated desired levels of fertilizers and nutrients needed by the plants. This variable rate injector was used to mix the calculated desired levels of fertilizers and nutrients as regulated by the computer fertigation controller. The use of stainless steel for components of the fertigation system is preferred but plastic components can be substituted.

In addition to adding nutritional components into the water the computer fertigation controller sent signals to cause air to be directly injected into the irrigation water. The added air has the beneficial effect of increasing the rate of chemical activity in the root zone and also making more oxygen directly available to the roots.

Drip emitters were situated along the irrigation, line which is a pipe, hose or conduit which delivers water and/or nutrient from the fertigation system to the base of plants under cultivation, as shown in FIG. 1, 1 and FIG. 4, part 27. Preferably a drip emitter was located at the base of a plant and to each side of the inside of the plant container. For example, for use with fruit trees, a drip emitter was placed at the base of the tree and to either side of the plant container in which the tree is planted. Alternatively, several drip emitters may surround the plant at various locations over the plant container. The drip emitter may simply be a small hole in the conduit through which liquid may slowly escape or a small tube running from the conduit and into the container.

While the present invention is directed to a computer controlled fertigation method, the fertigation may also be manually controlled. For instance, all of the data from the sensors may be manually recorded and then analyzed by hand. After the data from the sensors is analyzed the water and nutrients may then be mixed by hand in the open mixing tanks. The next irrigation event may then be started and stopped manually.

Example 5 Leaf Temperature Sensors

In another embodiment of the current invention, leaf temperature sensors, (For example, LT-2M sensors from PhyTech), were used along with the sensors for measuring water and nutrient consumption to provide an additional perspective on a plant's physiological response to available water.

Plant transpiration is primarily a function of water evaporating through the stomata located on the lower surfaces of leaves. As water evaporates through the stomata it also has the effect of slightly lowering the temperature of the underside of the leaf. Leaf temperature sensors located on the upper and lower surfaces of a leaf provide highly accurate temperature readings with minimal influence to the thermal conditions of a leaf. As the amount of water available to a plant decreases, the smaller the temperature difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf which indicates a water deficiency in the plant.

The leaf temperature sensors are used with additional sensors of the present invention or are used in place of the weighing scale. Rather than tracking the declining mass of water in a plant's container with a scale, the computer fertigation controller can use the data from the leaf temperature sensors to chart the decreasing temperature difference between the upper and lower surfaces of a leaf. When the temperature differences reach a predetermined threshold for a given crop the computer sends out the command to initiate the next watering event.

Leaf temperature sensors are used in the same manner as the data from the scale. When used as a supplemental sensor the leaf temperature data serves as a secondary input to the data from the scale. This serves as a backup system to ensure that good data is always available to the computer fertigation controller on available plant water.

The method of using leaf temperature sensors is a less costly method than other methods of obtaining real-time information on plant water. The drop in temperature due to decreasing transpiration creates a real time delay between loss of water at the roots and the subsequent physiological response at the leaves. The real time delay is enhanced as the distance from the root to leaf increases as well as the general transport characteristics of the plant.

Table 8 shows the leaf temperature of the upper and lower surface of the leaf in degrees Fahrenheit. Column 1 of Table 8 shows the date of the measurement, column 2 shows the time of the temperature measurement, column 3 shows the temperature of the upper surface of the leaf in degrees Fahrenheit, column 4 shows the temperature of the lower surface of the leaf in degrees Fahrenheit and column 5 shows the temperature difference between the upper and lower surfaces.

TABLE 8 LEAF TEMPERATURE Upper Surface Lower Surface Leaf Leaf Tem- temperature temperature perature Date Time (F.) (F.) Difference Oct. 9, 2006 6:19 AM 63.8 63.7 0.1 Oct. 9, 2006 6:34 AM 64.2 64.1 0.1 Oct. 9, 2006 6:49 AM 65.0 64.0 1.0 Oct. 9, 2006 7:05 AM 65.0 64.2 0.8 Oct. 9, 2006 7:20 AM 67.1 66.8 0.3 Oct. 9, 2006 7:35 AM 69.3 69.0 0.3 Oct. 9, 2006 7:50 AM 71.3 71.2 0.1 Oct. 9, 2006 8:06 AM 75.7 75.4 0.3 Oct. 9, 2006 8:21 AM 77.8 77.5 0.3 Oct. 9, 2006 8:36 AM 80.5 80.3 0.2 Oct. 9, 2006 8:51 AM 85.0 84.6 0.4 Oct. 9, 2006 9:06 AM 85.1 84.9 0.2 Oct. 9, 2006 9:22 AM 87.8 86.7 1.1 Oct. 9, 2006 9:37 AM 103.4 102.8 0.6 Oct. 9, 2006 9:52 AM 94.3 91.8 2.5 Oct. 9, 2006 10:07 AM  96.8 92.7 4.1 Oct. 9, 2006 10:22 AM  99.0 94.8 4.2 Oct. 9, 2006 10:38 AM  103.5 99.2 4.3 Oct. 9, 2006 10:53 AM  96.0 93.7 2.3 Oct. 9, 2006 11:08 AM  92.7 92.7 0.0 Oct. 9, 2006 11:23 AM  94.9 94.6 0.3 Oct. 9, 2006 11:38 AM  95.1 94.5 0.6 Oct. 9, 2006 11:54 AM  96.4 95.9 0.5 Oct. 9, 2006 12:09 PM  97.2 96.6 0.6 Oct. 9, 2006 12:24 PM  96.2 96.1 0.1 Oct. 9, 2006 12:39 PM  96.8 96.5 0.3 Oct. 9, 2006 12:55 PM  98.0 97.6 0.4 Oct. 9, 2006 1:10 PM 98.5 97.9 0.6 Oct. 9, 2006 1:25 PM 99.8 99.4 0.4 Oct. 9, 2006 1:40 PM 100.0 99.4 0.6 Oct. 9, 2006 1:55 PM 99.5 99.4 0.1

Sensors were also positioned in order to quantify the amount of water and/or nutrients that the plant consumed. The sensors were used to measure: 1) the amount of water delivered to the plant; 2) the volume of excess water exiting from the plant; 3) the chemical content of the excess water from the plant; and 4) the total amount of water continuously available to the plant.

To measure the amount of water delivered to the plant, a sensor (for example, TB4-L Hydrological Services 8″ Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge), as shown in FIG. 1, part 2 and FIG. 4, part 28, was stationed under a single set of drip emitters that deliver water to a single plant container. Alternatively, an in-line flow sensor could also be employed. The drip emitter is a device that is used on an irrigation line to transfer water to the area to be irrigated, as shown in FIG. 4, part 26, next to the plant container in FIG. 4 part 29. Netafim integrated drippers, pressure compensated on-line drippers or arrow drippers were used depending on the crop type grown. The sensor collected and measured the amount of water distributed from the drip emitter during watering events that provide water and/or nutrients to the neighboring plant.

Drip emitters were situated along the irrigation line which is a pipe, hose or conduit which delivers water and/or nutrient from the fertigation system to the base of plants under cultivation, as shown in FIG. 1, part 1 and FIG. 4, part 27. Preferably a drip emitter was located at the base of a plant and to each side of the plant. For example, for use with fruit trees, a drip emitter was placed at the base of the tree and to either side of the container in which the tree is planted. Alternatively, several drip emitters may surround the plant at various locations over the plant container. The drip emitter may simply be a small hole in the conduit through which liquid may slowly escape or a small tube running from the conduit and into the container.

Once it was determined how much water was being delivered to the plant, it was then determined how much water was actually being used by the plant. This was done by measuring the excess water or outflow of water from a plant container. The excess water, as shown in FIG. 5, part 30 was measured using a sensor, as shown in FIG. 1, part 3 and FIG. 5, part 31 that was placed under the container, FIG. 5, part 32. The sensor continuously collected water that was being emitted from the plant container.

Next, the real-time measurement of the amount of water that was available to the plant was measured. To obtain the real-time measurement of water available to the plant, a scale (Rice Lake IQ 355 Digital Weight Indicator with a 4-20 mA analog output), as shown in FIG. 1, part 4, and FIG. 6, part 33 was placed under a plant container, FIG. 6, part 34. The scale provided the real-time mass of the water available to the plant by first weighing the container, the plant and water system together. The scale was recorded just prior to the next watering event and served as a basis of comparison for subsequent readings. From that point forward, the sensor calculated weight readings of the water continuously available or uninterrupted, and not the plant container system.

In order to accurately determine the amount of nutrients required by a plant, the amount of nutrients distributed in the irrigation water that were not taken up by the plant needed to be determined. To measure the nutrients another container, a collection container for receiving excess water from the plant container, was placed under a plant container, as can be seen in FIG. 7, part 35. The collection container, FIG. 1, part 5 under the plant container, FIG. 7, part 36 from the plant which allowed sensors, FIG. 7, part 37, to be placed in the collected water to measure the chemical content of the excess water. These sensors included including 31 Series or 35 Series—sealed polycarbonate pH electrode, 02 Series—epoxy body conductivity electrode, or 35 Series—ion selective electrodes (Analytical Sensors and Instruments, LTD) which measure levels of ammonium, calcium, cupric, nitrate, nitrite, potassium, sulphide. Alternatively, the chemical content could also be determined through standard laboratory test procedures and entered into a computer manually.

Once the data from sensors 1, 2, 3 and 4 were collected, as shown in FIG. 1, the data was then transferred to the computer fertigation controller, as shown in FIG. 1, part 6. Transferring the data from the sensors to the computer fertigation controller can be accomplished in a number of ways, either wireless or hard wired. Although SCADALink 900-MB Wireless RTU/Radiomodem (Bentek Systems) was used in this instance, any type of telemetry system that allows for the delivery of sensor-derived information from the field to a central computer or by way of fixed wires or optical cables is acceptable.

The computer fertigation controller, as shown in FIG. 1, part 7, was used to: 1) stop and start irrigation events, 2) adjust the injection rates of the various nutritional components that were added to the water, 3) test the physical and nutritional characteristics of the water being sent to the irrigation system, and 4) keep a digital record of all the information and parameters. Although the software that was used to manage this process was Wonderware (Invensys), any human-machine interaction software could be used in this process.

Once the data was sent to the computer fertigation controller, the computer fertigation controller software analyzed the data from the sensor that collected irrigation water from the drip emitter, as can be seen in FIG. 2, step 9 and the data from the sensor that collected excess water from the bottom of the container holding the plant, as shown in FIG. 3, step 10 by subtracting the excess water data from the irrigation water, as shown in FIG. 2, step 11. The result was the volume of water that was consumed by the plant, as shown in FIG. 2, step 12. The amount of water that was necessary to flush or leach out excess salts from the plant's container was then added to the analysis of the total amount of water used, as shown in FIG. 2, step 13. The amount of water used to flush or leach excess salts varies from crop to crop and by the season. When the amount of water used to flush or leach was added to the total volume consumed, as shown in FIG. 2, step 14, a signal was then sent from the computer fertigation controller to finalize the length of the next irrigation event, as shown in FIG. 2, step 15.

The data from the weighing scale measuring the amount of water that was available to the plant by measuring the real-time mass of the container, plant and water together was sent to the computer fertigation controller where the remaining water in the system was continuously measured, as shown in FIG. 3, step 20. The weighing scale provided the real-time mass of the water available to the plant by first weighing the container, the plant and water system, as shown in FIG. 2, step 16. The scale was then reset to zero prior to the next watering event, as shown in FIG. 2, step 17. From that point forward, the continuous mass readings from the scale were therefore only the mass of the water and not the mass of the container, plant and soil together. The computer fertigation controller was triggered to initiate an irrigation event by either 1) a predetermined trigger point, as shown in FIG. 2, step 18, based on a manually set percentage of irrigation water or 2) automatically based on a set inflection point on a curve of declining water, as shown in FIG. 2, step 19.

The nutritional components that were distributed by the computer fertigation controller were determined based on one or more seasonal nutritional plans for the selected crop, as can be shown in FIG. 3, step 22, along with the number of irrigation events per day based on past historical data of local temperature, humidity and other environmental factors, as shown in FIG. 3, step 23. Data from monitoring excess fertilizer amounts from chemical content sensors, as shown in FIG. 1, step 5, in water collection containers, as shown in FIG. 3, step 24, after each irrigation event was input into the software and used, along with the seasonal nutritional plan and the daily irrigation events, to calculate future nutrient levels for irrigation events. A signal was then sent to the computer fertigation controller to set the injection rates of fertilizer components [0208] Once the data from the water and nutrient consumption sensors was analyzed the computer fertigation controller determined the amount of nutrients to be used in the next irrigation event. When needed, fertilizers were then transferred from holding tanks to various feeder and mixing tanks using variable rate injectors. In the fertigation room, as can be seen in FIG. 1, part 8, a feed tank supplied fertilizer and nutrients to a mixing tank in which the fertilizer was mixed with water from a water supply. Water for the fertigation controller was first run through a filter to remove particulates that may clog the irrigation system.

Analysis from the computer fertigation controller was used to determine the amount of fertilizers and nutrients from various containers to be injected into open top mixing containers directly into distribution lines. The open top containers were used to allow for optional hand mixing of additional materials that were not part of the standard fertilizer configuration. The containers were in communication with the computer fertigation controller in order to receive various solutions of feed formulas. The computer fertigation controller, in conjunction with the watering control system, used variable rate injectors (e.g. Walchem LK series metering pumps, Grundfos DME series diaphragm dosing pump, Vaccon venturi vacuum pumps, Netafim Fertijet) linked by a computer to deliver the desired levels of the additives to the water. Thus, the main water feed to the irrigation system was mixed with the calculated desired levels of fertilizers and nutrients needed by the plants. This variable rate injector was used to mix the calculated desired levels of fertilizers and nutrients as regulated by the computer fertigation controller. The use of stainless steel for components of the fertigation system is preferred but plastic components can be substituted.

In addition to adding nutritional components into the water the computer fertigation controller sent signals to cause air to be directly injected into the irrigation water. The added air has the beneficial effect of increasing the rate of chemical activity in the root zone and also making more oxygen directly available to the roots.

Drip emitters were situated along the irrigation, line which is a pipe, hose or conduit which delivers water and/or nutrient from the fertigation system to the base of plants under cultivation, as shown in FIG. 1, 1 and FIG. 4, part 27. Preferably a drip emitter was located at the base of a plant and to each side of the inside of the plant container. For example, for use with fruit trees, a drip emitter was placed at the base of the tree and to either side of the plant container in which the tree is planted. Alternatively, several drip emitters may surround the plant at various locations over the plant container. The drip emitter may simply be a small hole in the conduit through which liquid may slowly escape or a small tube running from the conduit and into the container.

While the present invention is directed to a computer controlled fertigation method, the fertigation may also be manually controlled. For instance, all of the data from the sensors may be manually recorded and then analyzed by hand. After the data from the sensors is analyzed the water and nutrients may then be mixed by hand in the open mixing tanks. The next irrigation event may then be started and stopped manually.

Example 6 Relative-Rate Sap Flow Sensors

In another embodiment of the current invention, a relative-rate sap flow sensor, specifically the SF8M, SF-4M or SF-5M sensor, was used to monitor a plant's physiological response to water along with the use of scales to measure water and nutrient consumption by the plant.

Relative-rate sap sensors apply an external heat pulse to a leaf petiole, stem or trunk, then use a sensitive thermometer placed at a fixed distance above the heat source. By measuring the length of time it takes for the heated sap inside the plant to reach the thermometer location, an accurate sap flow rate can be calculated. Since sapflow is highly correlated to water consumption this measure provides a very good indication of how much water is available to the plant from its root zone.

Relative-rate sap flow sensors are used with additional sensors of the present invention or are used in place of the weighing scale. Rather than tracking the declining mass of water in a plant's container with a scale as previously described, this system charts the changing volume of water moving through the plant in the form of sap. This movement is directly related to the availability of water to the root system. When the sensor detects that the relative-rate of the sap flow in the plant begins to decrease, the computer sends out a signal to initiate the next watering event.

Data from the relative-rate sap flow sensor is also used in the same manner as data from the scale. When used as a supplement, the relative-rate sap flow data serves as secondary input to the data from the scale. This serves as a backup system to ensure that there is always good data being sent to the computer fertigation controller on available plant water.

The relative-rate sap flow sensor is a valid backup to the scale to provide data concerning the amount of water available to the plant. There is a strong linear relationship between relative-rate sap flow and available water. However, there is also a time delay between the loss of water to the root system and the plant's response to the loss.

Sensors were also positioned in order to quantify the amount of water and/or nutrients that the plant consumed. The sensors were used to measure: 1) the amount of water delivered to the plant; 2) the volume of excess water exiting from the plant; 3) the chemical content of the excess water from the plant; and 4) the total amount of water continuously available to the plant.

To measure the amount of water delivered to the plant, a sensor (for example, TB4-L Hydrological Services 8″ Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge), as shown in FIG. 1, part 2 and FIG. 4, part 28, was stationed under a single set of drip emitters that deliver water to a single plant container. Alternatively, an in-line flow sensor could also be employed. The drip emitter is a device that is used on an irrigation line to transfer water to the area to be irrigated, as shown in FIG. 4, part 26, next to the plant container in FIG. 4 part 29. Netafim integrated drippers, pressure compensated on-line drippers or arrow drippers were used depending on the crop type grown. The sensor collected and measured the amount of water distributed from the drip emitter during watering events that provide water and/or nutrients to the neighboring plant.

Drip emitters were situated along the irrigation line which is a pipe, hose or conduit which delivers water and/or nutrient from the fertigation system to the base of plants under cultivation, as shown in FIG. 1, part 1 and FIG. 4, part 27. Preferably a drip emitter was located at the base of a plant and to each side of the plant. For example, for use with fruit trees, a drip emitter was placed at the base of the tree and to either side of the container in which the tree is planted. Alternatively, several drip emitters may surround the plant at various locations over the plant container. The drip emitter may simply be a small hole in the conduit through which liquid may slowly escape or a small tube running from the conduit and into the container.

Once it was determined how much water was being delivered to the plant, it was then determined how much water was actually being used by the plant. This was done by measuring the excess water or outflow of water from a plant container. The excess water, as shown in FIG. 5, part 30 was measured using a sensor, as shown in FIG. 1, part 3 and FIG. 5, part 31 that was placed under the container, FIG. 5, part 32. The sensor continuously collected water that was being emitted from the plant container.

Next, the real-time measurement of the amount of water that was available to the plant was measured. To obtain the real-time measurement of water available to the plant, a scale (Rice Lake IQ 355 Digital Weight Indicator with a 4-20 mA analog output), as shown in FIG. 1, part 4, and FIG. 6, part 33 was placed under a plant container, FIG. 6, part 34. The scale provided the real-time mass of the water available to the plant by first weighing the container, the plant and water system together. The scale was recorded just prior to the next watering event and served as a basis of comparison for subsequent readings. From that point forward, the sensor calculated weight readings of the water continuously available or uninterrupted, and not the plant container system.

In order to accurately determine the amount of nutrients required by a plant, the amount of nutrients distributed in the irrigation water that were not taken up by the plant needed to be determined. To measure the nutrients another container, a collection container for receiving excess water from the plant container, was placed under a plant container, as can be seen in FIG. 7, part 35. The collection container, FIG. 1, part 5 under the plant container, FIG. 7, part 36 from the plant which allowed sensors, FIG. 7, part 37, to be placed in the collected water to measure the chemical content of the excess water. These sensors included including 31 Series or 35 Series—sealed polycarbonate pH electrode, 02 Series—epoxy body conductivity electrode, or 35 Series—ion selective electrodes (Analytical Sensors and Instruments, LTD) which measure levels of ammonium, calcium, cupric, nitrate, nitrite, potassium, sulphide. Alternatively, the chemical content could also be determined through standard laboratory test procedures and entered into a computer manually.

Once the data from sensors 1, 2, 3 and 4 were collected, as shown in FIG. 1, the data was then transferred to the computer fertigation controller, as shown in FIG. 1, part 6. Transferring the data from the sensors to the computer fertigation controller can be accomplished in a number of ways, either wireless or hard wired. Although SCADALink 900-MB Wireless RTU/Radiomodem (Bentek Systems) was used in this instance, any type of telemetry system that allows for the delivery of sensor-derived information from the field to a central computer or by way of fixed wires or optical cables is acceptable.

The computer fertigation controller, as shown in FIG. 1, part 7, was used to: 1) stop and start irrigation events, 2) adjust the injection rates of the various nutritional components that were added to the water, 3) test the physical and nutritional characteristics of the water being sent to the irrigation system, and 4) keep a digital record of all the information and parameters. Although the software that was used to manage this process was Wonderware (Invensys), any human-machine interaction software could be used in this process.

Once the data was sent to the computer fertigation controller, the computer fertigation controller software analyzed the data from the sensor that collected irrigation water from the drip emitter, as can be seen in FIG. 2, step 9 and the data from the sensor that collected excess water from the bottom of the container holding the plant, as shown in FIG. 3, step 10 by subtracting the excess water data from the irrigation water, as shown in FIG. 2, step 11. The result was the volume of water that was consumed by the plant, as shown in FIG. 2, step 12. The amount of water that was necessary to flush or leach out excess salts from the plant's container was then added to the analysis of the total amount of water used, as shown in FIG. 2, step 13. The amount of water used to flush or leach excess salts varies from crop to crop and by the season. When the amount of water used to flush or leach was added to the total volume consumed, as shown in FIG. 2, step 14, a signal was then sent from the computer fertigation controller to finalize the length of the next irrigation event, as shown in FIG. 2, step 15.

The data from the weighing scale measuring the amount of water that was available to the plant by measuring the real-time mass of the container, plant and water together was sent to the computer fertigation controller where the remaining water in the system was continuously measured, as shown in FIG. 3, step 20. The scale provided the real-time mass of the water available to the plant by first weighing the container, the plant and water system, as shown in FIG. 2, step 16. The scale was then reset to zero prior to the next watering event, as shown in FIG. 2, step 17. From that point forward, the continuous mass readings from the scale were therefore only the mass of the water and not the mass of the container, plant and soil together. The computer fertigation controller is triggered to initiate an irrigation event by either 1) a predetermined trigger point, as shown in FIG. 2, step 18, based on a manually set percentage of irrigation water or 2) automatically based on a set inflection point on a curve of declining water, as shown in FIG. 2, step 19.

The nutritional components that were distributed by the computer fertigation controller were determined based on one or more seasonal nutritional plans for the selected crop, as can be shown in FIG. 3, step 22, along with the number of irrigation events per day based on past historical data of local temperature, humidity and other environmental factors, as shown in FIG. 3, step 23. Data from monitoring excess fertilizer amounts from chemical content sensors, as shown in FIG. 1, step 5, in water collection containers, as shown in FIG. 3, step 24, after each irrigation event was input into the software and used, along with the seasonal nutritional plan and the daily irrigation events, to calculate future nutrient levels for irrigation events. A signal was then sent to the computer fertigation controller to set the injection rates of fertilizer components for the next irrigation event, as shown in FIG. 3, step 25.

Once the data from the water and nutrient consumption sensors was analyzed the computer fertigation controller determined the amount of nutrients to be used in the next irrigation event When needed, fertilizers were then transferred from holding tanks to various feeder and mixing tanks using variable rate injectors. In the fertigation room, as can be seen in FIG. 1, part 8, a feed tank supplied fertilizer and nutrients to a mixing tank in which the fertilizer was mixed with water from a water supply. Water for the fertigation controller was first run through a filter to remove particulates that may clog the irrigation system.

Analysis from the computer fertigation controller was used to determine the amount of fertilizers and nutrients from various containers to be injected into open top mixing containers directly into distribution lines. The open top containers were used to allow for optional hand mixing of additional materials that were not part of the standard fertilizer configuration. The containers were in communication with the computer fertigation controller in order to receive various solutions of feed formulas. The computer fertigation controller, in conjunction with the watering control system, used variable rate injectors (e.g. Walchem LK series metering pumps, Grundfos DME series diaphragm dosing pump, Vaccon venturi vacuum pumps, Netafim Fertijet) linked by a computer to deliver the desired levels of the additives to the water. Thus, the main water feed to the irrigation system was mixed with the calculated desired levels of fertilizers and nutrients needed by the plants. This variable rate injector was used to mix the calculated desired levels of fertilizers and nutrients as regulated by the computer fertigation controller. The use of stainless steel for components of the fertigation system is preferred but plastic components can be substituted.

In addition to adding nutritional components into the water the computer fertigation controller sent signals to cause air to be directly injected into the irrigation water. The added air has the beneficial effect of increasing the rate of chemical activity in the root zone and also making more oxygen directly available to the roots.

Drip emitters were situated along the irrigation, line which is a pipe, hose or conduit which delivers water and/or nutrient from the fertigation system to the base of plants under cultivation, as shown in FIG. 1, 1 and FIG. 4, part 27. Preferably a drip emitter was located at the base of a plant and to each side of the inside of the plant container. For example, for use with fruit trees, a drip emitter was placed at the base of the tree and to either side of the plant container in which the tree is planted. Alternatively, several drip emitters may surround the plant at various locations over the plant container. The drip emitter may simply be a small hole in the conduit through which liquid may slowly escape or a small tube running from the conduit and into the container.

While the present invention is directed to a computer controlled fertigation method, the fertigation may also be manually controlled. For instance, all of the data from the sensors may be manually recorded and then analyzed by hand. After the data from the sensors is analyzed the water and nutrients may then be mixed by hand in the open mixing tanks. The next irrigation event may then be started and stopped manually.

Example 7 Local Atmospheric Conditions

In another embodiment of the current invention, local atmospheric conditions were used along with the sensors for measuring water and nutrient consumption to provide data for the computer fertigation controller.

Water consumption by the plant increases with increased distance from wind barriers and low humidity. Water consumption also increases as wind speed increases. Rainfall supplements the amount of water applied to plants in the form of irrigation, and should be taken into consideration when determining the timing and duration of irrigation events. A number of commercial weather instruments for measuring temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed and insulation are readily available and all have the common attribute of being electronic sensors that are capable of delivering a signal to the computerized system.

Data from the atmospheric sensors were entered into the computer and helped anticipate the number of irrigations events that are necessary on a given day. The temperature, wind, humidity, light and rainfall data for any given time of day is compared to archived record of such data to provide best estimates as to how many times irrigation is needed on that day. For each irrigation event the computer calculates how much nutrition is added to the water by taking the remaining total target for the day and dividing that number by the predicted number of times that irrigation is needed. This results in a system in which plants are always getting a finely measured amount of fertilizer and micronutrients that would support it is daily and seasonal nutritional needs.

Farmers are constantly using similar data in an informal way to estimate watering needs. By collecting, archiving and continually analyzing this data, the computer is more efficient at anticipating the water needs of the plants and adjusting the chemical inputs to reflect the realities of the patterns.

Example 8 All of the Sensors Working Together

In another embodiment of the current invention, soil moisture sensors, highly precise incremental sensors to monitor stem and fruit diameter, leaf temperature sensors, relative-rate flow sensors and local atmospheric data were used along with the sensors for measuring water and nutrient consumption to provide data for the computer fertigation controller.

Any soil moisture sensor can be used in this system but EasyAG soil moisture sensors which utilized Frequency Domain Reflectometry (FDR) were the preferred embodiment to measure soil water. The sensors were placed at varying depths in order to sample the upper, middle, and lower portions of the active root zones. The sensors provided two different perspectives on the soil, root, and water interactions. The first provided a real-time picture of how much water was being applied to the various root zones during irrigation. After the irrigation event ended, the sensors provided a real-time view of water use and availability.

Understanding a plant's physiological response to the availability or absence of water within the plants root zone is also very important to the overall understanding of how to optimally irrigate. When sufficient water is available through the roots, the cells within the body of the plant have maximum turgor pressure, which results in stems of maximum diameter. When plants are no longer able to obtain water from the roots, water is then removed from the cells. The loss of water results in a small, but detectable reduction in the diameter of the stem. Fruit also act as reservoirs to store water for a plant and the loss of water to the plant results in a small, detectable reduction in the diameter of the fruit. Fruit diameter sensors permit the recording of both the overall size and diurnal growth dynamics of intact fruits.

Plant transpiration is primarily a function of water evaporating through the stomata located on the lower surfaces of leaves. As the water evaporates through the stomata it also has the effect of slightly lowering the temperature of the underside of the leaf. Leaf temperature sensors located on the upper and lower surfaces of a leaf provide highly accurate temperature readings with minimal influence to the thermal conditions of a leaf. As the amount of water available to a plant decreases, the smaller the temperature difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf which indicates a water deficiency in the plant.

Relative-rate sap sensors apply an external heat pulse to a leaf petiole, stem or trunk, then use a sensitive thermometer placed at a fixed distance above the heat source. By measuring the length of time it takes for the heated sap inside the plant to reach the thermometer location and allows an accurate flow rate to be calculated. Since sapflow is highly correlated to water consumption this measure provides a very good indication of how much water is available to the plant from its root zone.

Water consumption by the plant increases with high temperatures, increased distance from wind barriers and low humidity. Water consumption also increases as wind speed increases. Rainfall supplements the amount of water applied to plants to irrigation, and should be taken into consideration when determining the timing and duration of irrigation events. A number of commercial weather instruments are readily available and all have the common attributes of being electronic sensors that are capable of delivery the digital signal to the computerized system.

The primary sensor components of this system are 1) the gauges that the measure total water applied during an irrigation event and the amount of water that leaches out from the container; 2) the scale that tracks the real-time uptake of water from the container; and 3) the sensors that measure the chemical content of the leach water. The plant physiology sensors provide critical backup systems that are capable of serving as substitutes for the scale if it ever went off-line. In addition, they also provide very useful indicators of how the plant uses water and responds to both its availability and absence.

As the system generates a history of responses for each sensor it conducts analyses that reveal other useful patterns of responses prior to the onset of water stress. As these patterns are revealed, they are developed into either independent triggers for initiating watering events, or supplemental inputs to help determine the characteristics of the watering event.

The major disadvantage for the complete array of sensors is that cost increases dramatically.

Sensors were also positioned in order to quantify the amount of water and/or nutrients that the plant consumed. The sensors were used to measure: 1) the amount of water delivered to the plant; 2) the volume of excess water exiting from the plant; 3) the chemical content of the excess water from the plant; and 4) the total amount of water continuously available to the plant.

To measure the amount of water delivered to the plant, a sensor (for example, TB4-L Hydrological Services 8″ Tipping Bucket Rain Gauge), as shown in FIG. 1, part 2 and FIG. 4, part 28, was stationed under a single set of drip emitters that deliver water to a single plant container. Alternatively, an in-line flow sensor could also be employed. The drip emitter is a device that is used on an irrigation line to transfer water to the area to be irrigated, as shown in FIG. 4, part 26, next to the plant container in FIG. 4 part 29. Netafim integrated drippers, pressure compensated on-line drippers or arrow drippers were used depending on the crop type grown. The sensor collected and measured the amount of water distributed from the drip emitter during watering events that provide water and/or nutrients to the neighboring plant.

Drip emitters were situated along the irrigation line which is a pipe, hose or conduit which delivers water and/or nutrient from the fertigation system to the base of plants under cultivation, as shown in FIG. 1, part 1 and FIG. 4, part 27. Preferably a drip emitter was located at the base of a plant and to each side of the plant. For example, for use with fruit trees, a drip emitter was placed at the base of the tree and to either side of the container in which the tree is planted. Alternatively, several drip emitters may surround the plant at various locations over the plant container. The drip emitter may simply be a small hole in the conduit through which liquid may slowly escape or a small tube running from the conduit and into the container.

Once it was determined how much water was being delivered to the plant, it was then determined how much water was actually being used by the plant. This was done by measuring the excess water or outflow of water from a plant container. The excess water, as shown in FIG. 5, part 30 was measured using a sensor, as shown in FIG. 1, part 3 and FIG. 5, part 31 that was placed under the container, FIG. 5, part 32. The sensor continuously collected water that was being emitted from the plant container.

Next, the real-time measurement of the amount of water that was available to the plant was measured. To obtain the real-time measurement of water available to the plant, a scale (Rice Lake IQ 355 Digital Weight Indicator with a 4-20 mA analog output), as shown in FIG. 1, part 4, and FIG. 6, part 33 was placed under a plant container, FIG. 6, part 34. The scale provided the real-time mass of the water available to the plant by first weighing the container, the plant and water system together. The scale was recorded just prior to the next watering event and served as a basis of comparison for subsequent readings. From that point forward, the sensor calculated weight readings of the water continuously available or uninterrupted, and not the plant container system.

In order to accurately determine the amount of nutrients required by a plant, the amount of nutrients distributed in the irrigation water that were not taken up by the plant needed to be determined. To measure the nutrients another container, a collection container for receiving excess water from the plant container, was placed under a plant container, as can be seen in FIG. 7, part 35. The collection container, FIG. 1, part 5 under the plant container, FIG. 7, part 36 from the plant which allowed sensors, FIG. 7, part 37, to be placed in the collected water to measure the chemical content of the excess water. These sensors included including 31 Series or 35 Series—sealed polycarbonate pH electrode, 02 Series—epoxy body conductivity electrode, or 35 Series—ion selective electrodes (Analytical Sensors and Instruments, LTD) which measure levels of ammonium, calcium, cupric, nitrate, nitrite, potassium, sulphide. Alternatively, the chemical content could also be determined through standard laboratory test procedures and entered into a computer manually.

Once the data from sensors 1, 2, 3 and 4 were collected, as shown in FIG. 1, the data was then transferred to the computer fertigation controller, as shown in FIG. 1, part 6. Transferring the data from the sensors to the computer fertigation controller can be accomplished in a number of ways, either wireless or hard wired. Although SCADALink 900-MB Wireless RTU/Radiomodem (Bentek Systems) was used in this instance, any type of telemetry system that allows for the delivery of sensor-derived information from the field to a central computer or by way of fixed wires or optical cables is acceptable.

The computer fertigation controller, as shown in FIG. 1, part 7, was used to: 1) stop and start irrigation events, 2) adjust the injection rates of the various nutritional components that were added to the water, 3) test the physical and nutritional characteristics of the water being sent to the irrigation system, and 4) keep a digital record of all the information and parameters. Although the software that was used to manage this process was Wonderware (Invensys), any human-machine interaction software could be used in this process.

Once the data was sent to the computer fertigation controller, the computer fertigation controller software analyzed the data from the sensor that collected irrigation water from the drip emitter, as can be seen in FIG. 2, step 9 and the data from the sensor that collected excess water from the bottom of the container holding the plant, as shown in FIG. 3, step 10 by subtracting the excess water data from the irrigation water, as shown in FIG. 2, step 11. The result was the volume of water that was consumed by the plant, as shown in FIG. 2, step 12. The amount of water that was necessary to flush or leach out excess salts from the plant's container was then added to the analysis of the total amount of water used, as shown in FIG. 2, step 13. The amount of water used to flush or leach excess salts varies from crop to crop and by the season. When the amount of water used to flush or leach was added to the total volume consumed, as shown in FIG. 2, step 14, a signal was then sent from the computer fertigation controller to finalize the length of the next irrigation event, as shown in FIG. 2, step 15.

The data from the weighing scale measuring the amount of water that was available to the plant by measuring the real-time mass of the container, plant and water together was sent to the computer fertigation controller where the remaining water in the system was continuously measured, as shown in FIG. 3, step 20. The scale provided the real-time mass of the water available to the plant by first weighing the container, the plant and water system, as shown in FIG. 2, step 16. The scale was then reset to zero prior to the next watering event, as shown in FIG. 2, step 17. From that point forward, the continuous mass readings from the scale were therefore only the mass of the water and not the mass of the container, plant and soil together. The computer fertigation controller is triggered to initiate an irrigation event by either 1) a predetermined trigger point, as shown in FIG. 2, step 18, based on a manually set percentage of irrigation water or 2) automatically based on a set inflection point on a curve of declining water, as shown in FIG. 2, step 19.

The nutritional components that were distributed by the computer fertigation controller were determined based on one or more seasonal nutritional plans for the selected crop, as can be shown in FIG. 3, step 22, along with the number of irrigation events per day based on past historical data of local temperature, humidity and other environmental factors, as shown in FIG. 3, step 23. Data from monitoring excess fertilizer amounts from chemical content sensors, as shown in FIG. 1, step 5, in water collection containers, as shown in FIG. 3, step 24, after each irrigation event was input into the software and used, along with the seasonal nutritional plan and the daily irrigation events, to calculate future nutrient levels for irrigation events. A signal was then sent to the computer fertigation controller to set the injection rates of fertilizer components for the next irrigation event, as shown in FIG. 3, step 25.

Once the data from the water and nutrient consumption sensors was analyzed the computer fertigation controller determined the amount of nutrients to be used in the next irrigation event. When needed, fertilizers were then transferred from holding tanks to various feeder and mixing tanks using variable rate injectors. In the fertigation room, as can be seen in FIG. 1, part 8, a feed tank supplied fertilizer and nutrients to a mixing tank in which the fertilizer was mixed with water from a water supply. Water for the fertigation controller was first run through a filter to remove particulates that may clog the irrigation system.

Analysis from the computer fertigation controller was used to determine the amount of fertilizers and nutrients from various containers to be injected into open top mixing containers directly into distribution lines. The open top containers were used to allow for optional hand mixing of additional materials that were not part of the standard fertilizer configuration. The containers were in communication with the computer fertigation controller in order to receive various solutions of feed formulas. The computer fertigation controller, in conjunction with the watering control system, used variable rate injectors ((e.g. Walchem LK series metering pumps, Grundfos DME series diaphragm dosing pump, Vaccon venturi vacuum pumps, Netafim Fertijet) linked by a computer to deliver the desired levels of the additives to the water. Thus, the main water feed to the irrigation system was mixed with the calculated desired levels of fertilizers and nutrients needed by the plants. This variable rate injector was used to mix the calculated desired levels of fertilizers and nutrients as regulated by the computer fertigation controller. The use of stainless steel for components of the fertigation system is preferred but plastic components can be substituted.

In addition to adding nutritional components into the water the computer fertigation controller sent signals to cause air to be directly injected into the irrigation water. The added air has the beneficial effect of increasing the rate of chemical activity in the root zone and also making more oxygen directly available to the roots.

Drip emitters were situated along the irrigation, line which is a pipe, hose or conduit which delivers water and/or nutrient from the fertigation system to the base of plants under cultivation, as shown in FIG. 1, 1 and FIG. 4, part 27. Preferably a drip emitter was located at the base of a plant and to each side of the inside of the plant container. For example, for use with fruit trees, a drip emitter was placed at the base of the tree and to either side of the plant container in which the tree is planted. Alternatively, several drip emitters may surround the plant at various locations over the plant container. The drip emitter may simply be a small hole in the conduit through which liquid may slowly escape or a small tube running from the conduit and into the container.

While the present invention is directed to a computer controlled fertigation method, the fertigation may also be manually controlled. For instance, all of the data from the sensors may be manually recorded and then analyzed by hand. After the data from the sensors is analyzed the water and nutrients may then be mixed by hand in the open mixing tanks. The next irrigation event may then be started and stopped manually.

Example 9 Other Additional Sources of Data

While the previous examples set forth a variety of sensors that are currently being used in the present invention, there are several other sensors and types of data that could be incorporated into the present invention and used for measuring total water consumption by a plant.

For example, a stem auxanometer could be used to measure the distance between nodes on a plant stem. While in most situations it is desirable to promote the maximum growth of a plant for increased yield, the reverse is true for crops such as grapes. Great care is used to promote growth so that the canes of the grape plant do not grow too quickly, or that the distance between the nodes on the grape canes do not exceed a certain length. The stem auxanometer is a device that automatically measures the changing distances between nodes. This data is then entered into the control computer to adjust the irrigation and fertigation rates so that the growth characteristics of the grape plant do not exceed the optimal parameters defined by the farm manager.

Data from the analysis of plant sap could also be used along with the sensors for measuring total water consumption by a plant. Similar to a blood test for humans, small amounts of sap are extracted from a plant and the chemical makeup of the fluid is analyzed. Data from such tests would be input into the computer fertigation controller and used to adjust subsequent fertilizer injection rates.

Additionally, infrared (IR) and near-infrared (NIR) sensors could also be used in conjunction with the sensors for measuring total water consumption by a plant. IR and NIR sensors are used to collect information on the general health of the plant. For instance, an NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) sensor (e.g. the GreenSeeker sensor from NTech Industries, Inc) is used to detect the presence of chlorophyll in plants, which in turn is a function of adequate nitrogen. Additional nitrogen fertilizer would be applied when a low NDVI reading is obtained. Other applications of IR and NIR sensors include detecting fruit sugar levels, plant responses to fertilization and plant water stress. IR and NIR data inputs can be used to adjust water and fertilizer levels for subsequent irrigation and fertigation events.

Additional computer inputs could also be derived from tests that are not necessarily directly linked to the computer fertigation controller. Examples of manual data inputs include fruit sugar levels (Brix), fruit acid levels, tissue analyses, calculated evapotranspiration rates (ET), chlorophyll fluorescence, and plant moisture stress as tested with a pressure bomb. All of these could provide valuable adjustments to both fertilization rates and irrigation rates and schedules.

Example 10 Use of Various Water Consumption Sensors with an Elevated Berm

In another embodiment of the current invention, soil moisture sensors, highly precise incremental sensors to monitor stem and fruit diameter, leaf temperature sensors, relative-rate flow sensors and local atmospheric data were used for measuring water and nutrient consumption in an elevated berm and to provide data for the computer fertigation controller.

The elevated berm is designed with a flat top, sloping sides and a base so that the cross-sectional profile of the berm is that of a trapezoid. The purpose of the elevated berm is to provide increased surface area to promote better solar heating of the soil in order to promote extended and improved growing seasons while reducing the risk of harmful soil pest such as nematodes.

Any soil moisture sensor can be used in this with the elevated berm but EasyAG soil moisture sensors which utilize Frequency Domain Reflectometry (FDR) are the preferred embodiment to measure soil water. The sensors were placed at varying depths in order to sample the upper, middle, and lower portions of the active root zones. The sensors provided two different perspectives on the soil, root, and water interactions. The first perspective was a real-time picture of how much water was being applied to the various root zones during irrigation. After the irrigation event ended, the second perspective was a real-time view of water use and availability.

Understanding a plant's physiological response to the availability or absence of water within the plant's root zone is also very important to the overall understanding of how to optimally irrigate. When sufficient water is available through the roots, the cells within the body of the plant have maximum turgor pressure, which results in stems of maximum diameter. When plants are no longer able to obtain water from the roots, water is then removed from the cells. The loss of water results in a small, but detectable reduction in the diameter of the stem. Fruit also act as reservoirs to store water for a plant and the loss of water to the plant results in a small, detectable reduction in the diameter of the fruit. Fruit diameter sensors permit the recording of both the overall size and diurnal growth dynamics of intact fruits.

Plant transpiration is primarily a function of water evaporating through the stomata located on the lower surfaces of leaves. As water evaporates through the stomata it also has the effect of slightly lowering the temperature of the underside of the leaf. Leaf temperature sensors, as shown in FIG. 9, 40 located on the upper and lower surfaces of a leaf provide highly accurate temperature readings with minimal influence to the thermal conditions of a leaf. As the amount of water available to a plant decreases, the smaller the temperature difference between the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf, which indicates a water deficiency in the plant.

Relative-rate sap sensors apply an external heat pulse to a leaf petiole, stem or trunk, then use a sensitive thermometer placed at a fixed distance above the heat source. Measuring the length of time it takes for the heated sap inside the plant to reach the thermometer location allows an accurate flow rate to be calculated. Since sapflow is highly correlated to water consumption this measure provides a very good indication of how much water is available to the plant from its root zone.

Water consumption by the plant increases with high temperatures, increased distance from wind barriers and low humidity. Water consumption also increases as wind speed increases. Rainfall supplements the amount of water applied to plants by irrigation, and should be taken into consideration when determining the timing and duration of irrigation events. A number of commercial weather instruments are readily available and all have the common attributes of being electronic sensors that are capable of delivering digital signals to the computerized system.

As the system generates a history of responses for each sensor, analyses are conducted that reveal other useful patterns of responses prior to the onset of water stress. As these patterns are revealed, they are developed into either independent triggers for initiating watering events, or supplemental inputs to help determine the characteristics of the watering event.

Once the data from sensors were collected, as shown in FIG. 9, the data was then transferred to the computer fertigation controller, as shown in FIG. 9, part 44. Transferring the data from the sensors to the computer fertigation controller can be accomplished in a number of ways, either wireless or hard wired. Although SCADALink 900-MB Wireless RTU/Radiomodem (Bentek Systems) was used in this instance, any type of telemetry system that allows for the delivery of sensor-derived information from the field to a central computer is acceptable.

The computer fertigation controller, as shown in FIG. 9, part 45, was used to: 1) stop and start irrigation events, 2) adjust the injection rates of the various nutritional components that were added to the water, 3) test the physical and nutritional characteristics of the water being sent to the irrigation system, and 4) keep a digital record of all the information and parameters. Although the software that was used to manage this process was Wonderware (Invensys), any human-machine interaction software could be used in this process.

The nutritional components that were distributed by the computer fertigation controller were determined based on one or more seasonal nutritional plans for the selected crop, as can be shown in FIG. 3, step 22, along with the number of irrigation events per day based on past historical data of local temperature, humidity and other environmental factors, as shown in FIG. 3, step 23.

Once the data from the water consumption sensors was analyzed the computer fertigation controller determined the amount of nutrients to be used in the next irrigation event. When needed, fertilizers were then transferred from holding tanks to various feeder and mixing tanks using variable rate injectors. In the fertigation room, as can be seen in FIG. 9, part 46, a feed tank supplied fertilizer and nutrients to a mixing tank in which the fertilizer was mixed with water from a water supply. Water for the fertigation controller was first run through a filter to remove particulates that may clog the irrigation system.

Analysis from the computer fertigation controller was used to determine the amount of fertilizers and nutrients from various containers to be injected into open top mixing containers directly into distribution lines. The open top containers were used to allow for optional hand mixing of additional materials that were not part of the standard fertilizer configuration. The containers were in communication with the computer fertigation controller in order to receive various solutions of feed formulas. The computer fertigation controller, in conjunction with the watering control system, used variable rate injectors ((e.g. Walchem LK series metering pumps, Grundfos DME series diaphragm dosing pump, Vaccon venturi vacuum pumps, Netafim Fertijet) linked by a computer to deliver the desired levels of the additives to the water. Thus, the main water feed to the irrigation system was mixed with the calculated desired levels of fertilizers and nutrients needed by the plants. This variable rate injector was used to mix the calculated desired levels of fertilizers and nutrients as regulated by the computer fertigation controller. The use of stainless steel for components of the fertigation system is preferred but plastic components can be substituted.

In addition to adding nutritional components into the water the computer fertigation controller sent signals to cause air to be directly injected into the irrigation water. The added air has the beneficial effect of increasing the rate of chemical activity in the root zone and also making more oxygen directly available to the roots.

Drip emitters were situated along the irrigation, line which is a pipe, hose or conduit which delivers water and/or nutrient from the fertigation system to the base of plants under cultivation, as shown in FIG. 9, 38 and FIG. 4, part 27. Preferably a drip emitter was located at the base of a plant and to each side of the inside of the plant container. For example, for use with fruit trees, a drip emitter was placed at the base of the tree and to either side of the plant container in which the tree is planted. Alternatively, several drip emitters may surround the plant at various locations over the plant container. The drip emitter may simply be a small hole in the conduit through which liquid may slowly escape or a small tube running from the conduit and into the container.

While the present invention is directed to a computer controlled fertigation method, the fertigation may also be manually controlled. For instance, all of the data from the sensors may be manually recorded and then analyzed by hand. After the data from the sensors is analyzed the water and nutrients may then be mixed by hand in the open mixing tanks. The next irrigation event may then be started and stopped manually.

Example 11 Increased Nutritional Values

By continually providing plants with optimal moisture and nutrient levels, plants that typically establish large root systems may be grown by the present invention in confined containers or an elevated berm. Unexpectedly, growing plants by using the method of the present invention, although stunting the physical size of the plant, actually allows for faster initial growth of the plant, and increased fruit or nut production in a shorter amount of time. Thus, for such plants, unexpectedly increased fruit or nut yields are produced from smaller, more easily harvested plants, in a confined space, without the larger root development.

The advantage of the computer fertigation controller method of the present invention is unexpected improved fruit quality with regard to the overall consumer values of appearance, taste and nutritional value and a reduction in the amount of variability in the crop. By continuously monitoring and updating the needs of the plant, the method of the present invention provides the plant the exact amount of water and/or nutrients that the plant requires, thus improving plant health, while producing a more nutrient rich crop with less variability.

Recent independent laboratory tests are summarized in TABLE 9 and have revealed that grapes grown under the method of the present invention not only bear fruit much sooner, but that the fruit produced is surprisingly much more nutritious. Quantitative chemical tests for vitamins in grapes grown by the method of the present invention have shown that five vitamins tested exhibited substantially elevated levels when compared to published United States Department of Agriculture standards (United States Department of Agriculture, Home and Garden Bulletin No. 72, Nutritive Value of Foods, 2002 ed.) for grapes, red or green (European type, such as Thompson seedless), raw. Column 1 of Table 9 shows the vitamin, column two shows the units of measurement used for each vitamin, column 3 shows the standard amount of each vitamin required by the USDA for raw grapes, column 4 shows the amount of vitamins available in grapes using the present invention and column 5 shows the percent difference between the USDA standard for vitamins in grapes versus the amount of vitamins available in grapes using the present invention.

TABLE 9 Amount of USDA vitamin vitamins from standards for raw grapes Percent raw grapes (red and green) difference (red and using the between the green) per present USDA standard 100 g of invention per and the present Vitamin Units grapes 100 g of grapes invention Vitamin A IU 66 198 +300% Thiamin B1 mg 0.069 0.124 +180% Riboflavin mg 0.07 0.267 +381% B2 B-6 mg 0.086 0.218 +253% Vitamin E IU 0.285 2.28 +800%

Example 12 Reduced Usage of Water and Fertilizer

Another advantage of the computer fertigation controller is a reduction of the amount of water and/or nutrients necessary to maintain the plants health. The computer fertigation controller reduces stress on the plant as well as reduces the amount of water and/or nutrients that are not taken up by the plant and therefore dispersed into the environment.

As can be seen in Table 10, the amount of water used to grow citrus in the present invention is significantly less than that of conventional growing methods. Additionally, the amount of water that is used without producing fruit is also significantly less with the present invention than that of conventional growing methods. Column 1 of Table 10 shows the age of the tree in years, column 2 shows the average daily amount of water in milliliters used per tree using conventional growing methods, column 3 shows the pounds of fruit per tree produced using the conventional growing method in pounds, column 4 shows the amount of water in milliliters used per tree using the present invention and column shows the pounds of fruit per tree produced using the present invention.

TABLE 10 Fruit Amount of produced Fruit water used using Amount of produced per tree using conventional water used per using the convention growing tree using the present growing methods present invention Year methods (ml)* lb/tree invention (ml) lb/tree 1 17034 0 5016 0 2 17034 0 5016 6 3 17031 0 5431 25 4 34069 11 5814 60 5 34069 35 5814 80 6 34069 36 5814 120 *Source: University of California Cooperative Extension, Sample Costs to Establish an Orange Orchard and Produce Oranges. 2005

As can be seen in Table 11 the annual amount of nitrogen required to grow citrus using this the present invention is significantly less than conventional growing methods. Column 1 of Table 11 shows the age of the orange tree in years, column 2 shows the amount of nitrogen in pounds an orange tree received each year using conventional growing methods in pounds and column 3 shows the amount of nitrogen in pounds an orange tree receives each year using the present invention.

TABLE 11 Amount of Nitrogen applied Amount of Nitrogen per orange tree using applied per orange tree conventional growing using the present Year methods (lbs)* invention (lbs) 1 0.1 0.15 2 0.2 0.15 3 0.3 0.15 4 0.4 0.138 5 0.5 0.138 6 0.6 0.138 7 0.8 0.138 *Source: University of California Cooperative Extension, Sample Costs to Establish an Orange Orchard and Produce Oranges. 2005

Another advantage of the present invention is that it reduces the amount of pesticide needed to combat pest (such as animals), insect and fungal infestations. In a grape project using the present invention, it was found unexpectedly that none of the hundreds of grape plants showed any sign of mildew, even though no artificial controls for mildew were applied. What was remarkable was that neighboring grape fields were particularly encumbered with a heavy infection rate of grape mildew in the region. Most grape farms experience substantial mildew, even after multiple applications of preventative spray. It is believed that the increased health of the plants induced by the present invention permits them to more effectively fight off or resist infestation. Citrus plants using the computer fertigation controller have also experienced similar results, exhibiting infestation rates of scale, mites, and other pests in lower amounts and in lower frequencies than those experienced in surrounding conventional citrus farms.

Example 13 Increased Harvest Yield

Another benefit of the current invention is the unexpected increase in harvest yield over conventional methods. These results are attributed to the early maturation and high density planting due to the stunting of trees grown in small containers and in the elevated berms. Alternatively, for other types of plants can achieve increased yields through enhanced vegetative growth or flowering. Using citrus as an example it is possible to stimulate early sexual maturity and have the first commercial harvest 2 years after first planting. Unexpectedly, production rates have averaged approximately 6 pounds per tree for trees of this age. This rate increases to 25 pounds and then 60 pounds per tree in years three and four.

These unexpected beneficial fruit bounties from the present invention can be contrasted with more conventional plantings techniques. As shown in Table 12, conventional citrus requires at least four years before any production is shown whereas production rates of 6 pounds per tree can be expected by year 2 using the present invention, a decrease in the time to harvest a crop by 30% to 60%.

TABLE 12 Conventional Growing Methods Present Invention (150 Trees (1998 trees per acres) per acre) Year lb/tree lb/acre lb/tree lb/acre 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 6 11988 3 0 0 25 49950 4 11 1650 60 119880

The present invention has been successfully employed with a wide variety of plants, including but not limited to: citrus, table grapes, wine grapes, bananas, papaya, coffee, goji berries, figs, avocados, guava, pineapple, raspberries, blueberries, olives, pistachios, pomegranate, artichokes and almonds. The present invention is also employed with a wide variety of gymnosperm, angiosperm and pteridophyte plants, including but not limited to: 1. Vegetables such as artichokes, asparagus, bean, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, chinese cabbage, head cabbage, mustard cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chicory, collard greens, cucumbers, daikon, eggplant, Escarole/Endive, garlic, herbs, honey dew melons, kale, lettuce (head, leaf, romaine), mustard greens, okra, onions (dry & green), parsley, peas (sugar, snow, green, black-eyed, crowder, etc.), peppers (bell, chile), pimento, pumpkin, radish, rhubarb, spinach, squash, sweet corn, tomatoes, turnips, turnip greens, watercress, and watermelons; 2. Flowering type bedding plants including, but not limited to, Ageratum, Alyssum, Begonia, Celosia, Coleus, dusty miller, Fuchsia, Gazania, Geraniums, gerbera daisy, Impatiens, Marigold, Nicotiana, pansy/Viola, Petunia, Portulaca, Salvia, Snapdragon, Verbena, Vinca, and Zinnia; 3. Vegetable type bedding plants including, but not limited to, artichokes, asparagus, bean, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, chinese cabbage, head cabbage, mustard cabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chicory, collard greens, cucumbers, Daikon, eggplant, Escarole/Endive, garlic, fresh cut herbs, honey dew melons, kale, lettuce (head, leaf, Romaine), mustard greens, okra, onions (dry & green), parsley, peas (sugar, snow, green, black-eyed, crowder, etc.), peppers (bell, chile), pimento, pumpkin, radish, rhubarb, spinach, squash, sweet corn, tomatoes, turnips, turnip greens, watercress, and melons; 4. Potted flowering plants including, but not limited to, African violet, Alstroemeria, Anthurium, Azalea, Begonia, Bromeliad, Chrysanthemum, Cineraria, Cyclamen, Daffodil/Narcissus, Exacum, Gardenia, gerbera daisy, Gloxinia, Hibiscus, Hyacinth, Hydrangea, Kalanchoe, Lily, Orchid, Poinsettia, Primula, regal pelargonium, rose, tulip, Zygocactus/Schlumbergera; 5. Foliage plants including, but not limited to, Aglaonema, Anthurium, Bromeliad, cacti and succulents, Croton, Dieffenbachia, Dracaena, Epipremnum, ferns, ficus, Hedera (Ivy), Maranta/Calathea, palms, Philodendron, Schefflera, Spathiphyllum, Syngonium; 6. Cut flowers including, but not limited to, Alstroemeria, Anthurium, Aster, bird of paradise/Strelitzia, calla lily, carnation, Chrysanthemum, Daffodil/Narcissus, daisy, Delphinium, Freesia, gerbera daisy, ginger, Gladiolus, Godetia, Gypsophila, heather, iris, Leptospermum, Liatris, lily, Limonium, Lisianthus, Orchid, Protea, Rose, Snapdragon, Statice, Stephanotis, Stock, Sunflower, Tulip, Zinnia; 7. Cut cultivated greens including, but not limited to, Asparagus, (plumosus, tree fern, boxwood, soniferous greens, Cordyline, Eucalyptus, hedera/Ivy, holly, leatherleaf ferns, Liriope/Lilyturf, Myrtle, Pittosporum, Podocarpus; 8. Deciduous shade trees including, but not limited to, ash, birch, honey locust, linden, maple, oak, poplar, sweet gum, and willow; 9. Deciduous flowering trees including, but not limited to, Amelanchier, callery pea, crabapple, crapemyrtle, dogwood, flowering cherry, flowering plum, golden rain, hawthorn, Magnolia, and redbud; 10. Broadleaf evergreens including, but not limited to, Azalea, boxwood, cotoneaster, Euonymus, holly, Magnolia, Pieris, Pittosporum, Privet, Rhododendron, and Viburnum; 11. Coniferous evergreens including, but not limited to, Arborvitae, cedar, cypress, fir, hemlock, juniper, pine, spruce, yew; 12. Deciduous shrubs and other ornamentals including, but not limited to, Buddleia, Hibiscus, Hydrangea, lilac, rose, Spirea, Viburnum, Weigela, ground cover, Bougainvillea, Clematis and other climbing vines, and landscape palms; 13. Fruit and nut plants including, but not limited to, citrus and subtropical fruit trees, Deciduous fruit and nut trees, grapevines, strawberry plants, other small fruit plants, other fruit and nut trees; 14. Greenhouse plants including, but not limited to, cucumbers, herbs, cut fresh, lettuce, peppers, strawberries, tomatoes, wildflowers, transplants for commercial production, and aquatic plants; 15. Pteridophyte plants including, but not limited to ferns.

Example 14 Pteridophytes

The present invention is also used with pteridophyte plants including, but not limited to ferns. There are numerous advantages the present invention provides when used to grow pteridophyte plants. As shown in Table 13, the use of the present invention to grow ferns shortens the time to produce a plant that is suitable for sale. The use of the sensors, such as the liquid volume sensor, the scale, the soil moisture sensor, the leaf temperature sensor, the stem diameter sensor, relative-rate sap flow sensor, and/or the atmospheric sensors, provide the computer fertigation controller with the information necessary to distribute the appropriate amount of water and nutrients to the plant at the proper time. This provides the plant with the water and nutrients necessary to maximize the plant's growth rate and allows the plant to reach a marketable size before plants grown through conventional methods.

The use of plant physiological sensors such as the leaf temperature sensor, the stem diameter sensor, and/or the relative-rate sap flow sensor to grow pteridophyte plants also indicate the presence of plant pests such as insects, animals or birds. The use of physiological sensors shows slight changes in the data from the sensor and is an indication to the grower that something may be causing the plant to go into a state of stress. The grower then is able to observe the plant in question and visually or remotely identify the source of the stress for the plant, such as a pest infestation, long before the pest is able to do substantial harm to the plant and long before a pest would be identified through conventional growing methods.

Additionally, the use of the present invention to grow pteridophytes reduces the likelihood of root rot or root pest infestations. The present invention reduces the possibility of water remaining around the roots for lengthy period of time and therefore reduces the possibility of the plant roots developing root rot. Furthermore, slight changes in the data from these sensors indicate that the plant may not be properly uptaking water and nutrients. This is an indication to the grower that there may be a problem with the plant. The grower is then able to identify the plant in question and to identify the source of the plant's stress.

TABLE 13 Plant Type Benefits Pteridophytes - including, but not Shortened time to market limited to, ferns. Physiological sensors - less pest infestation Potted plants - less root rot and less root pest infestation Controlled nutrition - promotes enhanced vegetative growth Precision fertigation - dramatic savings on both water and fertilizer costs Small containers - higher density planting for commercial growers Gymnosperms - including but no Shortened time to market limited to pine, spruce, fir, cedar, Physiological sensors - less pest hemlock, yew, larch, juniper, infestation pinion, ginkgo, cypress and Potted plants - less root rot and less Ephedra root pest infestation Controlled nutrition - promotes enhanced vegetative growth Precision fertigation - dramatic savings on both water and fertilizer costs Small containers - higher density planting for commercial growers Angiosperms - including but not Shortened time to market limited to ornamental annual Physiological sensors - less pest plants, ornamental perennial plants infestation (roses) ornamental cut flowers Potted plants - less root rot and less (including but not limited to root pest infestation Alstroemeria, Aster, Bells of Improved flower quality - improved Ireland, Delphinium, Hydrangea, nutrients for edible flowers such as lilac, Gerbera, and dandelions and nasturtiums Monks Hood) Controlled nutrition - promotes enhanced vegetative growth Manipulated stress levels - promotes increased bloom activity Precision fertigation - dramatic savings on both water and fertilizer costs Small containers - higher density planting for commercial growers Angiosperms - vegetables and Shortened time to market fruits including but not limited to Physiological sensors - less pest tomatoes, peppers, squash, beans, infestation lettuce, spinach, broccoli, Potted plants - less root rot and less cauliflower, eggplant, celery, root pest infestation beets, peas, melon, mustard Improved vegetable and fruit quality - greens, radish, citrus, table grapes, purified nutrient content, increased wine grapes, bananas, papaya, nutrient content coffee, goji berries, figs, Controlled nutrition - promotes avocados, guava, pineapple, enhanced vegetative growth raspberries, blueberries, olives, Manipulated stress levels - promotes pistachios, pomegranate, artichokes increased bloom activity and almonds. Precision fertigation - dramatic savings on both water and fertilizer costs Small containers - higher density planting for commercial growers Angiosperms - woody species Shortened time to market including but not limited to oak, Physiological sensors - less pest maple, Populus, hickory, walnut, infestation pecan, birch, beech, apple, cherry, Potted trees - less root rot and less peach, and citrus. root pest infestation Improved plant quality - improved nutrient quality for edible fruit of the tree Controlled nutrition - promotes enhanced vegetative growth Manipulated stress levels - promotes increased bloom activity Precision fertigation - dramatic savings on both water and fertilizer costs Small containers - higher density planting for commercial growers Fungi - such as basidiomycetes Increased control of nutrients the (portabella, shiitake, morels, vegetative tissue is taking up and boletes), ascomycetes (truffles) and increased control of initiation of the zygomycetes. fungal fruiting body.

Example 15 Gymnosperms

The present invention is also used with gymnosperm plants including, but not limited to, pine, spruce, fir, cedar, hemlock, yew, larch, juniper, pinion, ginkgo, cypress and Ephedra. There are numerous advantages the present invention provides when used to grow gymnosperm plants. As shown in Table 13, the use of the present invention to grow gymnosperms shortens the time to produce a plant that is suitable for sale. The use of the sensors, such as the liquid volume sensor, the scale, the soil moisture sensor, the leaf temperature sensor, the stem diameter sensor, relative-rate sap flow sensor, and/or the atmospheric sensors, provide the computer fertigation controller with the information necessary to distribute the appropriate amount of water and nutrients to the plant at the proper time. This provides the plant with the water and nutrients necessary to maximize the plant's growth rate and allows the plant to reach a marketable size before plants grown through conventional methods.

The use of plant physiological sensors such as the leaf temperature sensor, the stem diameter sensor, and/or the relative-rate sap flow sensor while growing gymnosperm plants also indicates the presence of plant pests such as insects, animals or birds. The use of physiological sensors shows slight fluctuations in the data from the sensor and is an indication to the grower that something may be causing the plant to go into a state of stress. The grower then is able to observe the plant in question in person or remotely and identify the source of the stress for the plant, such as a pest infestation, long before the pest is able to do substantial harm to the plant and long before a pest would be identified through conventional growing methods.

The use of the present invention to grow gymnosperms also reduces the likelihood of root rot or root pest infestations. The present invention reduces the possibility of water remaining around the roots for a lengthy period of time and therefore reduces the possibility of the plant roots developing root rot. Furthermore, slight changes in the data from these sensors indicate that the plant may not be properly uptaking water and nutrients. This is an indication to the grower that there may be a problem with the plant. The grower is then able to identify the plant in question and to identify the source of the plant's stress.

By growing gymnosperm plants using the present invention the risk of pest infestation of the roots is also reduced. Root pests such as nematodes are generally not found in the top twelve inches of the soil layer due to the overheating of that region of the soil by the sun. By growing the plant in a container or in a raised berm the temperature of the soil can be manipulated in such a manner so that the risk of infestations from pests such as nematodes is greatly diminished.

The use of the present invention to grow gymnosperm plants also reduces the likelihood of root rot or root pest infestations by separating the plant and its roots from the surrounding in ground soil. Root pests such as nematodes are not found in the top twelve inches of soil due to the overheating of that area of the soil by the sun. By growing the plant in a container or a raised berm the temperature of the soil can be manipulated in such a manner so that the risk of infestations from pests such as nematodes is greatly diminished.

Growing gymnosperm plants using the present invention under an overcovering structure also reduces the amount of sunlight that reaches the plant. For some plants too much sunlight may cause sunburn which can cause excess transpiration and which can lead to the plant becoming dehydrated. The lack of water in the plant can cause the plant to go into a state of stress. The use of an overcovering structure can reduce the risk of sunburn and therefore reduce the risk of the plant becoming dehydrated.

The use of the present invention to grow gymnosperm plants under an overcovering structure also protects the plants from adverse weather conditions by providing a space under the overcovering structure where the environment around the plant can be more easily manipulated. For example, when the air temperature is overly hot, misters may be used to cool the air or increase the humidity around the plants. In overly cold conditions the overcovering structure may be used as insulation in order to trap heat around the plants.

Growing gymnosperm plants using the present invention under an overcovering structure also reduces the risk of pest infestations such as birds and insects.

Additionally, the use of the present invention to grow gymnosperm plants also increases the amount of nutrients found in edible fruit, nuts and plant parts. The use of the sensors, such as the liquid volume sensor, the scale, the soil moisture sensor, the leaf temperature sensor, the fruit diameter sensor, relative-rate sap flow sensor, and/or the atmospheric sensors, continuously monitor a plant's health while providing the computer fertigation controller with the information necessary to distribute the appropriate amount of water and nutrients to the plant at the proper time. By providing the plant with the proper water and nutrients while also continuously monitoring the plants health, the plant does not waste valuable nutrients in order to fight off plant pests or diseases and is therefore able to focus its energy into producing healthy fruit, nuts or plant parts. Because the plant also does not have to use valuable nutrients on fighting off diseases and pests, the plant is able to send more nutrients to be incorporated into the flowers and allows the plant to produce healthier and more nutrient-rich flowers. By not wasting nutrients to fight off pests and disease, a plant is able to produce a higher quality fruit, nuts or plant part, with nutrients, chemical and medical compounds that are purer in quality and/or with increased quantities of nutrients, chemical and medical compounds than those produced through conventional methods.

Example 16 Angiosperms (Ornamental Plants)

The present invention is also used with angiosperm ornamental plants including but not limited to ornamental annual plants, ornamental perennial plants (roses) and ornamental cut flowers (including, but not limited to, Alstroemeria, Aster, Bells of Ireland, Delphinium, Gerbera, and Monks Hood). There are numerous advantages the present invention provides when used to grow gymnosperm plants. As shown in Table 13, the use of the present invention to grow angiosperms shortens the time to produce a plant that is suitable for sale. The use of the sensors, such as the liquid volume sensor, the scale, the soil moisture sensor, and the leaf temperature sensor, the stem diameter sensor, relative-rate sap flow sensor, or the atmospheric sensors, provide the computer fertigation controller with the information necessary to distribute the appropriate amount of water and nutrients to the plant at the proper time. This provides the plant with the water and nutrients necessary to maximize the plant's growth rate and allows the plant to reach a marketable size before plants grown through conventional methods. Flowering plants grown under this method also show a marked increase in the rate of bloom.

The use of plant physiological sensors such as the leaf temperature sensor, the fruit diameter sensor, the stem diameter sensor, and/or the relative-rate sap flow sensor to grow angiosperm plants also indicate the presence of plant pests such as insects, animals or birds. The use of physiological sensors shows slight fluctuations in the data from the sensor and is an indication to the grower that something may be causing the plant to go into a state of stress. The grower then is able to physically visit the plant in question and visually identify the source of the stress for the plant, such as a pest infestation, long before the pest is able to do substantial harm to the plant and long before a pest would be identified through conventional growing methods.

The use of the present invention to grow angiosperm ornamental plants also reduces the likelihood of root rot or root pest infestations. The present invention reduces the possibility of water remaining around the roots for a lengthy period of time and therefore reduces the possibility of the plant roots developing root rot. Furthermore, slight changes in the data from these sensors indicate that the plant may not be properly uptaking water and nutrients. This is an indication to the grower that there may be a problem with the plant. The grower is then able to identify the plant in question and to identify the source of the plant's stress.

The use of the present invention to grow angiosperm ornamental plants also reduces the likelihood of root rot or root pest infestations by separating the plant and its roots from the surrounding in ground soil. Root pests such as nematodes are not found in the top twelve inches of soil due to the overheating of that area of the soil by the sun. By growing the plant in a container or a raised berm the temperature of the soil can be manipulated in such a manner so that the risk of infestations from pests such as nematodes is greatly diminished.

Growing angiosperm ornamental plants using the present invention under an overcovering structure also reduces the amount of sunlight that reaches the plant. For some plants too much sunlight may cause sunburn which can cause excess transpiration and which leads to the plant becoming dehydrated. The lack of water in the plant can cause the plant to go into a state of stress. The use of an overcovering structure can reduce the risk of sunburn and therefore reduce the risk of the plant becoming dehydrated.

The use of the present invention to grow angiosperm ornamental plants under an overcovering structure also protects the plants from adverse weather conditions by providing a space under the overcovering structure where the environment around the plant can be more easily manipulated. For example, when the air temperature is overly hot, misters may be used to cool the air or increase the humidity around the plants. In overly cold conditions the overcovering structure may be used as insulation in order to trap heat around the plants.

Growing angiosperm ornamental plants using the present invention under an overcovering structure also reduces the risk of pest infestations such as birds and insects.

Additionally, the use of the present invention to grow angiosperm ornamental plants also increases the amount of nutrients found in edible flowers such as dandelions and Nasturtiums. The use of the sensors, such as the liquid volume sensor, the scale, the soil moisture sensor, the leaf temperature sensor, the fruit diameter sensor, relative-rate sap flow sensor, and/or the atmospheric sensors, continuously monitor a plant's health while providing the computer fertigation controller with the information necessary to distribute the appropriate amount of water and nutrients to the plant at the proper time. By providing the plant with the proper water and nutrients while also continuously monitoring the plants health, the plant does not waste valuable nutrients in order to fight off plant pests or diseases and is therefore able to focus its energy into producing healthy flowers. Because the plant also does not have to use valuable nutrients on fighting off diseases and pests, the plant is able to send more nutrients to be incorporated into the flowers and allows the plant to produce healthier and more nutrient-rich flowers. By not wasting nutrients to fight off pests and disease, a plant is able to produce a higher quality flower or plant part, with nutrients, chemical and medical compounds that are purer in quality and/or with increased quantities of nutrients, chemical and medical compounds than those produced through conventional methods.

Example 17 Angiosperms (Vegetable and Fruit Plants)

The present invention is also used with angiosperm vegetable and fruit plants including but not limited to tomatoes, peppers, varieties of squash, beans, lettuce, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, eggplant, celery, beets, peas, melon, mustard greens, radish, citrus, table grapes, wine grapes, bananas, papaya, coffee, goji berries, figs, avocados, guava, pineapple, raspberries, blueberries, olives, pistachios, pomegranate, artichokes and almonds. There are numerous advantages the present invention provides when used to grow angiosperm plants. As shown in Table 13, the use of the present invention to grow angiosperm vegetable and fruit plants shortens the time to produce a plant that is suitable for sale. The use of the sensors, such as the liquid volume sensor, the scale, the soil moisture sensor, the leaf temperature sensor, the fruit diameter sensor, the stem diameter sensor, relative-rate sap flow sensor, and/or the atmospheric sensors, provide the computer fertigation controller with the information necessary to distribute the appropriate amount of water and nutrients to the plant at the proper time. This provides the plant with the water and nutrients necessary to maximize the plant's growth rate and allows the plant to reach a marketable size before plants grown through conventional methods. Angiosperm plants grown under this method also show a marked increase in the number of fruit and vegetables.

The use of plant physiological sensors such as the leaf temperature sensor, the fruit diameter sensor, the stem diameter sensor, and/or the relative-rate sap flow sensor to grow angiosperm plants also indicates the presence of plant pests such as insects, animals or birds. The use of physiological sensors shows slight fluctuations in the data from the sensor and is an indication to the grower that something may be causing the plant to go into a state of stress. The grower then is able to physically visit the plant in question and visually identify the source of the stress for the plant, such as a pest infestation, long before the pest is able to do substantial harm to the plant and long before a pest would be identified through conventional growing methods.

The use of the present invention to grow angiosperm vegetable and fruit plants also reduces the likelihood of root rot or root pest infestations. The present invention reduces the possibility of water remaining around the roots for lengthy period of time and therefore reduces the possibility of the plant roots developing root rot. Furthermore, slight changes in the data from these sensors indicate that the plant may not be properly uptaking water and nutrients. This is an indication to the grower that there may be a problem with the plant. The grower is then able to identify the plant in question and to identify the source of the plant's stress.

The use of the present invention to grow angiosperm fruit and vegetable plants also reduces the likelihood of root rot or root pest infestations by separating the plant and its roots from the surrounding in ground soil. Root pests such as nematodes are not found in the top twelve inches of soil due to the overheating of that area of the soil by the sun. By growing the plant in a container or a raised berm the temperature of the soil can be manipulated in such a manner so that the risk of infestations from pests such as nematodes is greatly diminished.

The use of the present invention to grow angiosperm fruit and vegetable plants under an overcovering structure also reduces the amount of sunlight that reaches the plant. In some plants too much sunlight may cause sunburn which can cause excess transpiration and cause the plant to dehydrate. The lack of water in the plant can cause the plant to go into a state of stress.

The use of the present invention to grow angiosperm fruit and vegetable plants under an overcovering structure also protects the plants from adverse weather conditions by providing a space under the overcovering structure where the environment can be more easily manipulated. For example, when the air temperature is overly hot, misters may be used to cool the air or increase the humidity around the plants. In overly cold conditions the overcovering structure may be used as insulation in order to trap heat around the plants.

The use of the present invention to grow angiosperm fruit and vegetable plants under an overcovering structure also reduces the risk of pest infestations such as birds and insects.

Additionally, the use of the present invention to grow angiosperm fruit and vegetables also increases the amount of nutrients found in fruit or plant parts. The use of the sensors, such as the liquid volume sensor, the scale, the soil moisture sensor, the leaf temperature sensor, the fruit diameter sensor, relative-rate sap flow sensor, and/or the atmospheric sensors, continuously monitor a plant's health while providing the computer fertigation controller with the information necessary to distribute the appropriate amount of water and nutrients to the plant at the proper time. By providing the plant with the proper water and nutrients while also continuously monitoring the plant's health, the plant does not waste valuable nutrients in order to fight off plant pests or diseases and is therefore able to focus its energy into producing healthy fruit and vegetables. Because the plant also does not have to use valuable nutrients to fight off diseases and pests, the plant is able to send more nutrients to be incorporated into the fruit or plant part which allows the plant to produce healthier and more nutritional fruit or plant parts. This in turn produces a higher quality fruit or plant part, with nutrients, chemical and medical compounds that are purer in quality and/or with increased quantities of nutrients, chemical and medical compounds than those produced through conventional methods.

Example 18 Angiosperms (Woody Plants)

The present invention is also used with angiosperm woody plants including but not limited to oak, maple, Populus, hickory, walnut, pecan, birch, beech, apple, cherry, peach and citrus. There are numerous advantages the present invention provides when used to grow angiosperm plants. As shown in Table 13, the use of the present invention to grow angiosperm woody plants shortens the time to produce a plant that is suitable for sale. The use of the sensors, such as the liquid volume sensor, the scale, the soil moisture sensor, the leaf temperature sensor, the fruit diameter sensor, the stem diameter sensor, relative-rate sap flow sensor, and/or the atmospheric sensors, provide the computer fertigation controller with the information necessary to distribute the appropriate amount of water and nutrients to the plant at the proper time. This provides the plant with the water and nutrients necessary to maximize the plant's growth rate and allows the plant to reach a marketable size before plants grown through conventional methods. Flowering plants grown under this method also show a marked increase in the rate of bloom.

The use of plant physiological sensors with the present such as the leaf temperature sensor, the fruit diameter sensor, the stem diameter sensor, and/or the relative-rate sap flow sensor to grow angiosperm plants also indicate the presence of plant pests such as insects, animals or birds. The use of physiological sensors shows slight fluctuations in the data from the sensor and is an indication to the grower that something may be causing the plant to go into a state of stress. The grower then is able to physically visit the plant in question and visually identify the source of the stress for the plant, such as a pest infestation, long before the pest is able to do substantial harm to the plant and long before a pest would be identified through conventional growing methods.

The use of the present invention to grow angiosperm woody plants also reduces the likelihood of root rot or root pest infestations. The present invention reduces the possibility of water remaining around the roots for lengthy period of time and therefore reduces the possibility of the plant roots developing root rot. Furthermore, slight changes in the data from these sensors indicate that the plant may not be properly uptaking water and nutrients. This is an indication to the grower that there may be a problem with the plant. The grower is then able to identify the plant in question and to identify the source of the plant's stress.

The use of the present invention to grow angiosperm woody plants also reduces the likelihood of root rot or root pest infestations by separating the plant and its roots from the surrounding in ground soil. Root pests such as nematodes are not found in the top twelve inches of soil due to the overheating of that area of the soil by the sun. By growing the plant in a container or a raised berm the temperature of the soil can be manipulated in such a manner so that the risk of infestations from pests such as nematodes is greatly diminished.

The use of the present invention to grow angiosperm woody plants under an overcovering structure also reduces the amount of sunlight that reaches the plant. In some plants too much sunlight may cause sunburn which can cause excess transpiration and cause the plant to dehydrate. The lack of water in the plant can cause the plant to go into a state of stress.

The use of the present invention to grow angiosperm woody plants under an overcovering structure also protects the plants from adverse weather conditions by providing a space under the overcovering structure where the environment can be more easily manipulated. For example, when the air temperature is overly hot, misters may be used to cool the air or increase the humidity around the plants. In overly cold conditions the overcovering structure may be used as insulation in order to trap heat around the plants.

The use of the present invention to grow angiosperm woody plants under an overcovering structure also reduces the risk of pest infestations such as birds and insects.

Additionally, the use of the present invention to grow angiosperm woody plants also increases the amount of nutrients found in fruit, nuts or other plant parts. The use of the sensors, such as the liquid volume sensor, the scale, the soil moisture sensor, the leaf temperature sensor, the fruit diameter sensor, relative-rate sap flow sensor, and/or the atmospheric sensors, continuously monitor a plant's health while providing the computer fertigation controller with the information necessary to distribute the appropriate amount of water and nutrients to the plant at the proper time. By providing the plant with the proper water and nutrients while also continuously monitoring the plants health, the plant does not waste valuable nutrients in order to fight off plant pests or diseases and is therefore able focus its energy into producing healthy plants. Because the plant also does not have to use valuable nutrients on fighting off diseases and pests, the plant is able to send more nutrients to be incorporated into the fruit, nut or other plant part and allows the plant to produce healthier and more nutritional fruit, nut or other plant parts. By not wasting nutrients to fight off pests and disease, a plant is able to produce a higher quality fruit, nuts or other plant parts, with nutrients, chemical and medical compounds that are purer in quality and/or with increased quantities of nutrients, chemical and medical compounds than those produced through conventional methods.

Example 19 Fungi

The present invention is also used with fungi including but not limited to basidiomycetes such as portabella, morels and shiitake mushrooms, ascomycetes such as truffles and zygomycetes. As shown in Table 13, the use of the present invention to grow fungi shortens the time to produce a fungus that is suitable for sale. The use of the sensors, such as the liquid volume sensor, the scale, the soil moisture sensor, and/or the atmospheric sensors, provide the computer fertigation controller with the information necessary to distribute the appropriate amount of water and nutrients to the plant at the appropriate time to initiate the growth of fruiting bodies. This provides the fungus with the water and nutrients necessary to maximize fungal growth rates as well as nutrient uptake and allows the fungus to reach a marketable size before fungi grown through conventional methods.

The use of the present invention to grow fungi reduces the likelihood of fungi drying out or pest infestations. The use of sensors, such as the liquid volume sensor, the scale, the soil moisture sensor and/or the atmospheric sensors, provides the computer fertigation controller with the information necessary to distribute the appropriate amount of water and nutrients to the fungus at the proper time. This reduces the possibility of the fungal hyphea drying out.

Additionally, the use of the present invention to grow fungi also increases the amount of nutrients found in the fungal fruiting body. The use of the sensors, such as the liquid volume sensor, the scale, the soil moisture sensor, and/or the atmospheric sensors, continuously monitor the amount of water and nutrients that the fungus is using while providing the computer fertigation controller with the information necessary to distribute the appropriate amount of water and nutrients to the fungus at the proper time. By providing the fungus with the proper water and nutrients, the fungus does not waste valuable nutrients in order to fight off pests or diseases and is therefore able focus its energy into producing healthy fruiting bodies. Because the fungus also does not have to use valuable nutrients to fight off diseases and pests, the fungus is able to incorporate more nutrients into the fruiting body which produces healthier and more nutrient-rich fruiting bodies.

Example 20 Overall Benefits of the Present Invention

One of the greatest synergistic benefits experienced by the farms using the system and method of the present invention is that they are capable of producing crops many years ahead of farms planted in a conventional style. This makes them substantially more profitable and less risky than conventional farms.

For example, a consequence of growing plants in small container or on an elevated berm is that the volume of water that is available to the roots of a plant is severely limited. The walls of the containers or the elevated berm physically constrain the extent of root growth of the plants. The limited volume of roots necessitates frequent irrigation to provide water and nutrients for the plant. However, a tremendous advantage is that it is then possible to make adjustments to the nutrients delivered by way of the water and have the plant respond almost immediately to those changes in the nutritional program. In contrast, nutritional components supplied to conventional soils may linger for months or years, making it impossible to effectively alter the availability of key components

As the plant grows in accordance to the present invention, it is possible to substantially influence the physical size of the plant. With proper nutritional inputs it would be equally possible to grow plants larger or smaller in size to similar plants grown under conventional methods. However, doing so does not influence the size of the fruit grown. The goal is to create an optimal bearing surface that promotes the best balance of high harvest yield and quality harvested fruit or nuts, with minimal economic inputs.

Also in accordance with the present invention, through the use of sensors which monitor both soil moisture and water transport throughout individual plants, it is possible to accurately schedule frequent irrigations so that the plant is never in a water stress situation. The computer fertigation controller is used to inject measured amounts of key nutritional components into the irrigation water so that the proper amount of nutrition is available every time the water is applied.

Further, in accordance with the present invention, the application of plant nutrition formulas may be adjusted to meet the unique needs of each plant cultivar throughout its individual growing cycles (both annually and longitudinally). Each plant grows through very distinct stages, such as flowering, cell division, and cell expansion, and each phase has specific nutritional demands. Tailoring the nutritional formulas to each stage allows the plants to more closely grow to their full genetic potential.

Plants do not need to grow in a conventional soil environment. Growing plants in a non-soil or partial soil rooting medium such as crushed rock, rock wool or peat moss presents opportunities that are not possible in conventional agriculture. All of the nutrition that a plant receives comes directly from the formula applied through the irrigation water. When compared to average soils, crushed rock has virtually no capacity to lock up or store nutritional compounds. Consequently, what is applied to the plant is either used immediately or will leach out in subsequent irrigation events. This means that the farm manager can make dramatic changes in the nutritional program and have those changes immediately reflected in the uptake of the plant. In conventional agriculture fertilizer components can remain in the soil for long periods of time, making it virtually impossible to effect dramatic changes in the nutritional program applied to the plants.

In accordance with the present invention, the dwarfed size of traditionally large plants results in dramatically reduced inputs for both plant and fruit growth. When compared with conventional growing methods, the present invention uses less than 20% of the water (on a pound of fruit basis). Fertilizer, pesticide, herbicide and energy costs using the present invention have been approximately 20-25% that of conventional methods (again comparing equal amounts of fruit). Similar reductions of inputs can also be realized when plants are manipulated to increase the size of the bearing surface.

In accordance with the present invention, the present invention produces surprising health benefits well beyond the ability to shield the plants from direct contact from soil borne nematodes and pathogens. In a grape project using this method, it was found that none of the hundreds of grape plants showed any sign of mildew, even though no artificial controls for mildew were applied. What was remarkable was that neighboring grape fields were particularly encumbered with a heavy infection rate of grape mildew in the region. Most grape farms experience substantial mildew, even after multiple applications of preventative spray. Grape plants grown using the present invention result in being so healthy that they are either able to fight off the initial infestation or repel it all together. Similar unexpected health benefits have been discovered with other non-grape plants. For instance, citrus plants grown in accordance with the present invention exhibit scale, mite, and other pest infestation rates in lower amounts and in lower frequencies than those experienced in surrounding conventional citrus farms.

Recent independent laboratory tests have revealed that grapes grown under the present invention not only bear fruit much sooner, but the fruit produced is surprisingly much more nutritious. Quantitative chemical tests for vitamins in grapes have shown five of the six vitamins exhibited unexpectedly substantially elevated levels when compared with published USDA standards for grapes (see Table 9).

By implementing the present invention, plants are given the optimal amounts of water, nutrition and stress. Consequently, it is believed that the plants are growing and functioning at their peak rate and thus fully expressing their genetic fruiting potential.

Crop yields, meaning the counts, mass or volume per acre, with this system are greatly increased over conventional methods. Using citrus as an example, it is possible to have the first commercial harvest less than 2 years after first planting. Production rates have averaged approximately 6 pounds per tree for trees of this age. Production increases to 25 pounds in year three and then 60 pounds per tree were observed for year four (see Table 10).

These unexpected benefits of the present invention are contrasted with more conventional plantings techniques. Conventional citrus requires at least 4 years before their first production (about 10-12 pounds/tree) or 30% to 60% longer than the present invention. The top production levels out at approximately 200 lbs/tree after about 8-12 years. This results in a peak production of approximately 30,000 pounds/acre, based on the industry average of about 150 trees per acre (see Table 10).

In accordance with the present invention, the growth of plants can be manipulated to achieve set standards that would increase the value of the crop both internally (e.g., sugar levels, vitamins, minerals) and externally (e.g. size, color, shape). Plants can further be manipulated to promote growth to a size that has optimal economic benefit (e.g. crop load, capacity, maintenance). Therefore, controlling the vigor of the plant has a direct relationship to the economic productivity of a farm operation.

For example, given the small size of artificially dwarfed citrus in the present invention, virtually all of a tree can be picked by hand while standing on the ground. This is in contrast to trees grown by conventional methods which require tall ladders to be employed and constantly repositioned around the tree causing damage to both the fruit and tree. In the conventional manner a picker spends a substantial portion of his time simply climbing up and down the ladder with a heavy sack. Based on several years of harvesting data it was found that picking costs for the present invention are less than 40% of those for conventionally grown orchards. Similar results have also been noted for other tree management activities, such as thinning and pruning. Growth habits can be manipulated to provide physical structures that are easier to maintain, either by hand or machine methods.

While the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent that numerous variations, modifications and alternative embodiments of the invention are possible, and accordingly all such variations, modifications and alternative embodiments are to be regarded as being within the scope and spirit of the present invention as claimed. 

1. A method of fertigation comprising the steps of: growing a plant in an elevated berm; providing at least one sensor for measuring the total water consumption by the plant in the elevated berm; analyzing data from said at least one sensor to determine the amount of water and nutrients to be delivered to the plant; and delivering the determined amount of water and nutrients to the plant by an irrigation device at a predetermined schedule.
 2. The method of fertigation according to claim 1, wherein data from at least one sensor is analyzed by a central processing unit.
 3. The method of fertigation according to claim 1, wherein the analysis from said central processing unit determines the timing of irrigation events.
 4. The method of fertigation according to claim 1, wherein the analysis from said central processing unit determines the amount of water to be applied during an irrigation event.
 5. The method of fertigation according to claim 1, wherein the analysis from said central processing unit is used in preparing the concentration of each nutritional component.
 6. The method of fertigation according to claim 1, wherein said irrigation device is a drip irrigation line.
 7. A method of fertigation comprising the steps of: growing a plant in an elevated berm; providing at least one sensor for measuring the total water consumption by the plant in the elevated berm; providing at least one additional sensor from the group consisting of a stem diameter sensor, a fruit diameter sensor, a leaf temperature sensor, a relative-rate sap sensor, an infrared sensor, a near-infrared sensor and a stem auxanometer; analyzing data from said sensors to determine the amount of water and nutrients to be delivered to the plant; and delivering the determined amount of water and nutrients to the plant by an irrigation device at a predetermined schedule.
 8. A method of fertigation comprising the steps of: selecting a plant from the group consisting of angiosperms, gymnosperms and pteridophytes; growing the plant in an elevated berm; providing at least one sensor for measuring the total water consumption by the plant in the elevated berm; analyzing data from said at least one sensor to determine the amount of water and nutrients to be delivered to the plant; and delivering the determined amount of water and nutrients to the plant by an irrigation device at a predetermined schedule.
 9. A fertigation system comprising: a central processing unit; at least one sensor for measuring total water consumption by a plant in an elevated berm; a first communication device to send data from said at least one sensor to the central processing unit; at least one mixing tank containing nutrients and water; at least one injector; a second communication device to send instructions from the central processing unit to said at least one injector; an irrigation device for delivering water and nutrients to the plant; wherein the central processing unit analyzes the data from said at least one sensor and controls fertigation by determining the amount of water and nutrients to be delivered to the plant and instructing said at least one injector to deliver water and nutrients from said at least one mixing tank to the plant through the irrigation device.
 10. The fertigation system according to claim 9, wherein data from said sensor is analyzed by said central processing unit.
 11. The fertigation system according to claim 9, wherein the analysis from said central processing unit determines the timing of irrigation events.
 12. The fertigation system according to claim 9, wherein the analysis from said central processing unit determines the amount of water to be applied during an irrigation event.
 13. The fertigation system according to claim 9, wherein the analysis from said central processing unit is used in preparing the concentration of each nutritional component.
 14. The fertigation system according to claim 9, wherein said irrigation device is a drip irritation line.
 15. A fertigation system comprising: a central processing unit; at least one sensor for measuring total water consumption by a plant in an elevated berm; at least one additional sensor from the group consisting of a stem diameter sensor, a fruit diameter sensor, a leaf temperature sensor, a relative-rate sap sensor, an infrared sensor, a near-infrared sensor and a stem auxanometer; a first communication device to send data from said sensors to the central processing unit; at least one mixing tank containing nutrients and water; at least one injector; a second communication device to send instructions from the central processing unit to said at least one injector; and an irrigation device for delivering water and nutrients to the plant; wherein the central processing unit analyzes the data from said sensors and controls fertigation by determining the amount of water and nutrients to be delivered to the plant and instructing said at least one injector to deliver water and nutrients from said at least one mixing tank to the plant through the irrigation device. 